Replacing Kevin De Bruyne has been a question for Manchester City for some time. Every time he missed games through injury, the team had to find different ways to cope without him. Now that De Bruyne himself has confirmed he will leave Manchester City this summer, the reality is hitting even harder. De Bruyne has been trying to leave fans with good memories, delivering some excellent performances in what is now clearly his farewell tour. Although he made it clear that he would prefer to stay, he described the decision to leave as a business one, showing that sometimes in football, emotions must take a back seat to practicalities. At Wembley, in the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest, Pep Guardiola made a decision that raised eyebrows everywhere. De Bruyne was left on the bench, and young Rico Lewis was chosen to start. It was a surprising move by Guardiola but one that had reasons behind it. Guardiola has never been afraid to make tough decisions if he feels they are best for the team. In this case, he chose results over sentiment, as he often does.
Fans were still processing the sight of Rico Lewis starting when something special happened. In just two minutes, Lewis showed why Guardiola trusted him. Mateo Kovacic, playing alongside Lewis, found him in space, and Lewis fired City into the lead. The quick goal lifted the spirits of City fans and silenced any early doubts about Guardiola’s plan. But it was Kovacic who really caught the eye during the game. He seemed to take on the De Bruyne role, pulling strings from midfield, daring to try passes that others might hesitate over. Watching him, it made many wonder where this version of Kovacic had been hiding all season. Instead of questioning it, City kept feeding him the ball. Kovacic, at one point, spun away from three Forest players, gliding into a shooting position before narrowly missing a teammate in the box. The City fans rose to their feet, Guardiola applauded warmly, and it was clear Kovacic was the heartbeat of the team on this big occasion.
Guardiola later said that Kovacic had been extraordinary, praising his performances over the last few games. He admitted that at Kovacic’s age, playing every three days is too much to ask, but with enough rest between games, he could still be a key player. Guardiola said the team needed Kovacic’s quality and composure, and the Croatian showed both at Wembley. Behind Kovacic and Lewis, Bernardo Silva was doing the dirty work, breaking up Forest attacks and helping City dominate possession. Jack Grealish also tucked inside, crowding the midfield and overwhelming Nottingham Forest with waves of sky-blue shirts. Watching the plan unfold, it became easier to understand why De Bruyne was not in the starting eleven.
However, nobody was pretending that a partnership between Lewis and Kovacic was a long-term solution to replacing De Bruyne. Manchester City had learned the hard way earlier this season that relying on players playing out of their natural positions is risky. That lesson was underlined when Forest fought back strongly in the second half. After Forest hit the woodwork twice through Morgan Gibbs-White, who many see as a potential future De Bruyne replacement, Guardiola reacted. He called for Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku from the bench, while moving another substitute, Ilkay Gundogan, into a false nine role. Guardiola was not willing to take chances with the final score.
By the time the final whistle blew, Guardiola had tested five different players at the top of his midfield. De Bruyne stayed on the bench throughout, but it would not be his last chance to appear at Wembley. Mateo Kovacic, who pieced together the experimental formation brilliantly, received a big hug from Guardiola when he was substituted late in the game. The manager’s delight was clear. This match offered a glimpse into the future for Manchester City. It showed that while replacing De Bruyne is not easy, it is possible to share out his influence among several talented players. Different individuals, each with their own special qualities, can together reproduce what De Bruyne brings to the team.
For Kovacic, it was a very important performance. Earlier in the season, he often looked tired, struggling to make a major impact while others around him also suffered from form and fitness problems. But now, at the right time, he is finding new energy. As Guardiola starts to rebuild his midfield for next season, having a calm, experienced player like Kovacic could be crucial. His ability to play in different roles, with different partners, could make him an important squad player in the new-look Manchester City team.
Many thought Kovacic might leave in the summer, but performances like the one at Wembley might convince Guardiola to keep him around a bit longer. Versatility is always valuable in a Guardiola team, and Kovacic has shown he can adapt when needed. Meanwhile, De Bruyne’s farewell continues. It is a bittersweet goodbye. De Bruyne has been such an important figure in City’s golden era that imagining the team without him feels strange. But football moves fast, and Manchester City are already planning for life after their brilliant Belgian maestro.
During the match, City looked lively and confident. The decision to pick Rico Lewis was bold but justified early. Lewis looked comfortable in midfield, and scoring so early settled his nerves. Lewis’ energy and smart positioning gave Kovacic the freedom to roam and pick his passes. Kovacic’s ability to find pockets of space and dictate the tempo reminded everyone why Guardiola was excited to bring him to Manchester. Even Forest fans could see the difference Kovacic made. Every time he touched the ball, there was a sense that something clever might happen.
Guardiola’s trust in his players was also clear. By moving Jack Grealish inside rather than keeping him out wide, he created overloads in central areas. Grealish’s ball control and clever passing helped City dominate. Bernardo Silva was everywhere, winning tackles, covering space, and supporting attacks. Guardiola has often spoken about the intelligence of Bernardo, and this game was another example.
When Forest started to grow into the match, Guardiola adjusted quickly. He brought on Phil Foden, one of City’s most creative players, and Jeremy Doku, who offers pace and directness. These changes pushed Forest back and gave City more control. Even without De Bruyne on the pitch, City showed they could adapt to different situations.
The players on the pitch combined to recreate the creativity and bravery usually provided by De Bruyne. It wasn’t perfect, and at times City missed the killer instinct De Bruyne offers, but overall it was an encouraging sign. Guardiola knows it will be impossible to find a player who can do everything De Bruyne can do. So instead, he is building a team that can share the responsibilities.
It is also worth noting that while De Bruyne did not play, he was fully involved on the bench, supporting teammates, and ready if called upon. His attitude remains professional, and he clearly still cares deeply about the club. Guardiola will know he can rely on De Bruyne in the big moments to come before the season ends.
Kovacic’s performance could not have come at a better time for him personally. He has had to be patient this season. Injuries, form, and team changes have made it hard for him to build momentum. But now, when it matters most, he is stepping up. That is the sign of a top professional.
City’s squad is full of talent, but depth in midfield will be vital next season, especially without De Bruyne. Having someone like Kovacic who can slot into different systems gives Guardiola more flexibility. The Croatian’s experience in big matches will be invaluable too.
Guardiola’s hug for Kovacic at the end of the game said it all. It was not just a thank you for a good performance. It was recognition of a player who understood his role perfectly and executed it brilliantly. Guardiola demands a lot from his players, and when they deliver, he does not hide his emotions.
The future without De Bruyne will not be easy. His vision, creativity, and leadership are rare. But Manchester City are not standing still. They are evolving, finding new ways to win, building a team that can adapt and thrive. Matches like the one at Wembley show that while no one player can replace De Bruyne, the collective strength of the squad can cover the gap.
It is also a reminder of how smart Guardiola is. He plans ahead. He experiments when he can. He prepares for every possible scenario. That is why City remain one of the strongest teams in the world, year after year. Losing a player like De Bruyne would crush many clubs. But Guardiola is making sure City are ready.
For the fans, seeing players like Kovacic, Lewis, Grealish, Bernardo, Foden, and Doku all stepping up is reassuring. It shows the spirit and determination within the squad. It shows that the desire to win remains as strong as ever.
The FA Cup win over Forest will be remembered for many reasons. It was a step towards another final. It was another demonstration of Guardiola’s tactical brilliance. And it was a night when Mateo Kovacic reminded everyone of his class.
As Manchester City march towards the end of the season, De Bruyne will get more opportunities to say goodbye properly. There are still trophies to win and memories to make. But when the time comes for De Bruyne to finally leave, City will be ready. It will hurt. It will be emotional. But it will not break them.
For Mateo Kovacic, this could be a new beginning. If he can maintain this form, he could play a bigger role next season than anyone expected. His quality, his experience, and his adaptability make him a valuable asset. Guardiola knows that. And perhaps now, the fans know it too.
As the celebrations at Wembley showed, this Manchester City team is far from finished. They are evolving, they are growing, and they are ready to face whatever challenges the future holds. With or without Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City’s story is far from over.
