Kevin De Bruyne involved in explosive exchange with Pep Guardiola amid furious disagreement

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne was involved in an angry exchange with manager Pep Guardiola during Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Anfield.

The 32-year-old was pictured in an explosive exchange with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola after being substituted in the second-half on Merseyside, as Mateo Kovacic replaced the Belgian international in the 69th minute.

City, who took the lead in the first-half through John Stones’ strike, extended their Anfield winless streak following Alexis Mac Allister’s equaliser minutes into the second-half.

A calamitous period of play between Nathan Ake and Ederson saw Manchester City concede an early penalty, undoing an impressive first-half of work, where the Sky Blues had successfully weathered a storm and taken the lead.

De Bruyne’s impressive corner assisted the opener for Stones, as a clever set-piece saw City take the lead in the 23rd minute.

However as City struggled for control in the second-half, Guardiola chose to replace both De Bruyne and Julian Alvarez, in an attempt reaffirm a foothold in the clash.

Liverpool created 19 chances compared to the Blues’ 10, although both sides registered six attempts on target.

De Bruyne was taken off for just the third time this season, with the midfielder having made an impactful return for Manchester City since recovering from hamstring surgery in August.

The 32-year-old was visibly unhappy with the decision to be taken off, as he was pictured ranting furiously at both Guardiola and his backroom staff, before continuing to react angrily during a conversation with the manager moments later.

Guardiola was also subject to some criticism pre-match after choosing to start Manuel Akanji ahead of Ruben Dias in central defence, with the Portugal international surprisingly dropped by the 53-year-old.

City will also be on the back-foot in pursuit of a fourth successive title, with both Liverpool and Arsenal one point ahead of the treble-winners ahead of the final 10 matches of the campaign.

The Sky Blues face Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in their next Premier League match after the international break, with an FA Cup quarter-final against Newcastle United next weekend.