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Kevin De Bruyne says Manchester City may only need 85 points to win the Premier League this season, despite requiring 98 to see off the spirited challenge of Liverpool in 2018/19.

Pep Guardiola's side pipped Jurgen Klopp's men to the post in what many claimed was the greatest top-flight title race of all-time last season, with Liverpool's 97 points being the most a side has ever accumulated to finish second.

City's haul came off the back of them romping to the 2017/18 title with 100 points, but De Bruyne says that may not be the case in the new campaign.

"We don't need to beat the last two seasons - maybe we can win this season with 85 points," the Belgian told Sky Sports .

(Image: PA)

"It is not about improving, it is about staying consistent, trying to be there every game, trying to win every game.

"It is not always about doing better, because how can you do better sometimes?

"To win every year what we won the last two years is going to be pretty difficult but it is good to be there."

(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

De Bruyne is hoping for an injury-free season after recent issues, and says he's prepared for the new campaign by getting plenty of rest.

"I did nothing for three weeks. I just wanted to be away from football," he continued.

(Image: Koji Watanabe)

"I had been playing for two years straight. I just wanted to enjoy myself a little bit.

"Physically you can be okay but I think it is more mentally. It is tough to go two years straight for everybody and not have a proper break. That is what happened the last two years.

"Now I felt for myself that is was necessary to just slow it down a little bit and go again in pre-season. I knew I would have enough time now to prepare myself for the season, so that's what I decided to do."