Pep Guardiola Shuts Down Rumors of Rift with Kevin De Bruyne
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has come out swinging against speculation that his decision to limit Kevin De Bruyne’s playing time stems from a personal issue with the star midfielder. The rumors, which have been swirling since De Bruyne’s return from an abdominal injury, were fueled further after Guardiola waited until City were 2-0 down against Liverpool on Sunday before bringing the 33-year-old off the bench.
De Bruyne, who suffered the injury in September during a match against Inter Milan, has only made five substitute appearances since his recovery. This limited game time has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike, with Sky Sports analysts Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher openly questioning the situation during their coverage of the Liverpool match.
Neville described the scenario as “unusual, bizarre, strange,” adding, “Something is definitely going on in the dressing room.” Carragher echoed those sentiments, saying, “Something isn’t right if he isn’t in the team when he is fit.”
Guardiola Addresses the Speculation
In a press conference on Tuesday, Guardiola tackled the issue head-on, even though he wasn’t directly asked about it. The City boss made it clear that there’s no bad blood between him and De Bruyne, emphasizing the midfielder’s importance to the team.
“People say I’ve got a problem with Kevin,” Guardiola said. “Do you think I like to not play with Kevin? No, I don’t want Kevin to play. The guy who has the most talent in the final third. I don’t want it. I have a personal problem with him after nine years together.”
Guardiola didn’t stop there, pointing out De Bruyne’s contributions to Manchester City’s success over the years. “He’s delivered to me the biggest success to this club. But he’s been five months injured and two months injured. He’s 33-years-old. He needs time to find his best. Like last season, step by step. He’ll try to do it and feel better. I’m desperate to have his best.”
What’s Next for De Bruyne?
Guardiola hinted that De Bruyne could see more action in City’s upcoming Premier League match against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday. The Belgian international played the final 12 minutes of the game at Anfield, and Guardiola seems optimistic about his gradual return to form.
City, however, are in desperate need of a turnaround. The team is currently on a seven-game winless streak, including four consecutive league defeats, which has seen them slip to fifth in the Premier League standings. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, sit sixth, making this a crucial matchup for both sides.
De Bruyne’s Role in City’s Struggles
While Guardiola is eager to have De Bruyne back in the lineup, he was quick to caution that the midfielder alone won’t be a magic fix for the team’s current woes. “I’d love to have the Kevin in his prime—26 or 27,” Guardiola admitted. “He would love it too. But he is not 26 or 27 anymore. He had injuries in the past, important and long ones. He is a guy who needs to be physically fit for his space and energy.”
Guardiola also stressed the importance of a team effort, saying, “He himself will not solve our problems. Like Erling [Haaland] won’t solve it himself. We attack and defend together. We want the best players back. Hopefully step by step the confidence will come back and we’ll get the best of all of us.”
Key Takeaways
- Kevin De Bruyne has only made five substitute appearances since recovering from an abdominal injury suffered in September.
- Sky Sports pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher speculated about a potential rift between De Bruyne and Guardiola, calling the situation “bizarre” and “unusual.”
- Guardiola dismissed the rumors, emphasizing his respect for De Bruyne and the need for patience as the 33-year-old regains his form.
- Manchester City are currently fifth in the Premier League and on a seven-game winless streak, with a crucial match against Nottingham Forest looming.
As City fans eagerly await De Bruyne’s full return, the pressure is mounting on Guardiola and his squad to turn their season around. Whether the Belgian maestro can help spark a revival remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Guardiola is standing firmly in his corner.
Originally Written by: Rob Dawson
