Manchester City star sends Kevin De Bruyne warning ahead of Etihad Stadium reunion | OneFootball

Jeremy Doku has insisted that Manchester City will show no “mercy” when they reunite on the pitch with Kevin De Bruyne in the Champions League this week.

While the build-up to Manchester City’s clash with Napoli is largely dominated by the emotional return of Kevin De Bruyne to the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola’s players remain clear in their focus.

The Belgian maestro departed Manchester in the summer after nearly a decade of legendary service and performances to the club, choosing to continue his top-level career in Serie A, and his swift reunion with old teammates now adds extra intrigue to the European tie.

City approach the contest with a new-found confidence, having brushed aside bitter rivals Manchester United with a commanding 3-0 victory in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon – a result that underlined a potential resurgence after a turbulent last campaign.

That fresh momentum, coupled with a desire to make a strong start in the latest edition of the UEFA Champions League’s league phase, means that nostalgia and sentiment will take a back seat once the whistle blows.

De Bruyne himself has been adjusting well to life in Italy with Napoli, quickly becoming a pivotal figure under the leadership of the Serie A side. However, Guardiola has already warned his players against allowing emotions to dictate their approach, particularly with the Champions League viewed as a key priority after last season’s domestic difficulties.

Speaking to reporters after Manchester City’s dominant 3-0 win over Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, Jeremy Doku has looked ahead to his side’s next challenge, as they prepare to take on Napoli.

“I think he will be happy to come home,” Doku said, when particularly quizzed on the prospect of coming up against Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne for the first time since the Belgian’s exit for Napoli on a free transfer in the summer.

The Etihad winger continued, “At the end of the day, we’re not going to show mercy; we want to win every game. So I hope he enjoys coming here, back. We’re just going to recover very well and we’re going to be prepared.”

City supporters will no doubt welcome De Bruyne with a hero’s reception, recognising the immense contribution he made during his time at the club, including key roles in their treble success.

However, beyond the tributes, Pep Guardiola will be determined to see his side impose themselves on their former playmaker’s new team. Looking ahead, the fixture may also serve as a test of City’s evolving attacking structure in De Bruyne’s absence.

The likes of Doku, Phil Foden, and summer recruit Rayan Cherki – who is currently recovering from a thigh injury – have been tasked with stepping up in creativity; a challenge made even more pressing by further injury concerns in the squad.

With Rayan Aït-Nouri sidelined for several weeks, Pep Guardiola’s margin for rotation is already tight. Should Manchester City emerge victorious against Napoli, it would reinforce the sense that they have successfully turned the page after Kevin De Bruyne’s departure, proving that their ambitions remain undimmed.

Equally, the meeting could provide a poignant reminder of the Belgian’s unique qualities, ensuring the contest is not only a tactical battle but also a highly emotional evening at the Etihad Stadium.