Pep Guardiola wants Kevin De Bruyne to continue playing like he is grumpy after the Belgian turned in a sublime performance in the Carabao Cup win against Liverpool.
De Bruyne endured a disastrous World Cup with Belgium, but he's returned to Manchester City with a point to prove and after impressing in a friendly against Girona on Saturday, he was even better against Liverpool.
He created two goals in the 3-2 win and ran the game from midfield, with Guardiola labelling his display "outstanding".
READ MORE: City player ratings vs Liverpool
The City boss also said he believes De Bruyne has found another level because his grumpiness or anger after the World Cup is being channelled into improved performances.
Guardiola had called for more from De Bruyne in the first half of the season but he was pleased with what he saw on Thursday.
"He arrived, the first training session he was back I was not here but I was told it was brilliant, the game against Girona was brilliant and today he was outstanding," said Guardiola.
"Kevin has had eight years here, you know him like me, he just has to find the right fire inside of himself, just to be a little bit, I would say grumpy or upset to play his best. That is his energy inside of him. When this happens, what a player, run, fight, assist, score a goal, he is more than a player.
"I know it is not easy to find every three days this consistency but today he has something inside that says I am going to it, I want to fight. When this happens it is Mr Kevin De Bruyne, what can I say, eight years he has done everything for this club, an absolute legend, he will be remembered forever as one of the greatest, greatest, greatest players of this club."
READ NEXT:
