Kevin De Bruyne sends warning to Man City Premier League rivals

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne has issued a warning to his rivals, stating that he is well-prepared for the second half of the season after a long break from football.

De Bruyne missed five months of City's 2023/24 campaign due to a hamstring injury he sustained in the opening Premier League match at Burnley. He believes this time away from the usual cycle of game after game has had a beneficial impact.

The Belgium star explained the challenges of their schedule to the City website, saying: "The problem is our schedule. We live from match to match. We have to play every three days. He added that there's never enough time to properly strengthen your body due to constant recovery from matches.

ALSO READ: Key point from City Premier League charges should not be missed

ALSO READ: Erling Haaland makes injury vow

However, his injury gave him an opportunity to train his body properly over three to four months. He said: "I knew that I really had three to four months to train my body properly. To hopefully come out better and stronger. I think I'm better prepared."

After about ten years at this pace, De Bruyne felt he might have needed the break to get everything back on track. "Mentally it has just become calm. Having no stress for a few months makes a difference."

During his time off, De Bruyne enjoyed more family time, training during the day and spending evenings with his children. When asked about his time away from the City Football Academy, he said: "I guess just live a bit more of a normal life and relax a bit as a person.

"I think my body has calmed down a bit. And well, then I went to watch the F1 in Abu Dhabi one day. We went on holiday in October, which is normally not possible. That was also nice.

"Go away for