City fans have regularly booed the Champions League anthem over the past year in protest at the financial fair play punishment meted out to the club by UEFA in 2014.
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“I’m not punishing Vincent and I don’t have any problems in the relationship with Vincent. I’m very pleased for him because I think his performances week-in, week-out are brilliant”, Zabaleta said.
He said: “I don’t have a problem with Vincent Kompany”.
“Every week I have to choose the best XI for that game and the other players must wait”.
“It’s crucial to play with the best players for the moment”.
City did create a number of chances but had to rely on their counter-attacking abilities as Sevilla controlled possession.
City have already won four games in a row while United have picked up a mixed run of results, suffering a 3-0 loss to Arsenal two weeks ago before beating Everton 3-0 at the weekend.
The Belgian now has five goals and five assists in just eight matches in sky blue, the latest of which dug City out of a deep hole in the Champions League group game.
City will attend a hearing next month after the incident, which took place before Wednesday’s 2-1 win against Sevilla at Etihad Stadium. “It’s important to work a few days before he returns to the team”.
With David Silva and Sergio Aguero likely to miss the game through injury, all eyes will be on the Belgium worldwide, who has been in sparkling form scoring five goals in nine appearances since his move from VfL Wolfsburg in August.
“We have players with characteristics that can play different ways, and every one of them can score”.
“It is not something that I am used to, but if he (Pellegrini) asks me to do it I will do”, said De Bruyne of the No9 role.
“For me, the fans pay for their ticket and they are free to express themselves with how they feel with order and respect”. The most important thing was to win and that is what we did even if we didn’t play our best game.
City are the subject of UEFA disciplinary proceedings after fans again voiced their disapproval of European football’s governing body prior to Wednesday’s 2-1 Champions League win over Sevilla.
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It may not have been vintage City, but in a competition where they have struggled to impose themselves at home, De Bruyne’s brilliance may just give them the little kickstart they need.
