Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has defended the form of Kevin de Bruyne.

De Bruyne could be rested tomorrow against Champions League opponents Club Brugge.

Guardiola said: "You cannot imagine how good he is. When you, like him, play millions of games, you have highs and lows. I know what he is doing. The way he trains. He knows he has our support always.

"I was a player and you cannot perform incredibly well all the time."

He added: "Every season is tougher. More contenders, more well prepared top managers. Only my concern is our standards as a team - not success and titles. From there we build something special."