Kevin De Bruyne admits the strain of chasing the quadruple means Manchester City are almost certain to fail in their historic bid.
Pep Guardiola’s side edged closer to an unprecedented
They are also embroiled in the Premier League title race, trailing leaders Liverpool by two points with a game in hand. On Tuesday, they face Tottenham in the Champions League quarter-final first leg in north London.
Yet Guardiola described the quadruple attempt as “almost impossible” after the Brighton game. City midfielder De Bruyne agrees that the congested fixture list presents a tough obstacle due to mounting mental and physical strain.
“It is nearly impossible. I don’t think it is impossible to win every game, (looking) game by game, but if you see the fixtures coming up – I think every game we play now we are going to be at a disadvantage physically and mentally,” he said.
“We will have a game before the other teams, the other teams will have a rest. The Champions League is the same. So, it is difficult.” City
To underline his point, De Bruyne noted that Tottenham, who City also face in the Premier League this month, have had a free weekend ahead of the clash. “Every game is difficult. We just now have to prepare for Tuesday,” De Bruyne said.
“We know Tottenham played their last game on Wednesday so they will be more fresh than us. We have to prepare ourselves mentally and physically to be ready.” The game will be Tottenham’s second at their new stadium, but De Bruyne insists City won’t be troubled by the passionate atmosphere.