“This is real leadership” – Pep Guardiola reveals all on Kevin De Bruyne’s Man City captaincy credentials

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has openly discussed the qualities of Kevin De Bruyne as a captain for the club, despite Kyle Walker’s position as group leader.

A small portion of supporters have called into question Walker’s credentials at retaining his status of Manchester City captain after the England international was thrown into the media spotlight this week through an interview with The Sun newspaper on his personal affairs.

As such, some believe that Manchester City should hand over the mainstay captaincy position to other members of their five-man leadership group, and particular Kevin De Bruyne and Ruben Dias.

Coincidentally, the leadership traits of De Bruyne have been detailed in the media too this week, in and around the Belgian’s role as Manchester City captain on Wednesday night with Kyle Walker named among the substitutes.

Speaking exclusively to TNT Sports this week, Pep Guardiola admitted that while Kevin De Bruyne is not necessarily a player to openly talk to the group prior to matches, his leadership is prevalent through his on-field actions and performances.

“I think his leadership is proven on the pitch, a person like this,” Guardiola opened. “He is so friendly, and he is not a player who will talk a lot before a game, but he proves a real leader when we play.”

He continued, “We have had a lot of characters and big personalities in the team for many, many years. Kevin (De Bruyne) is a big personality, of course. Personality is when you are under pressure and how you compete – this is real leadership.

“Through example and leading by example, the other ones can follow.”

Kyle Walker is likely to retain the captain’s armband during his next appearance for Manchester City, and with the fixtures beginning to come thick and fast for the Treble winners, that could happen as soon as Monday night.

Manchester City travel to Brentford next week in the first of their February matches that will see them compete in three different competitions with the return of UEFA Champions League action too.

An FA Cup fifth round clash away to Luton Town and a Champions League last-16 first-leg accompany City’s intense Premier League fixture list this month, as the squad look to solidify their credentials as trophy favourites.