Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has emphatically denied claims of a falling-out with midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne.
Pep Guardiola Rubbishes Rumors of Rift with Kevin De Bruyne: “Desperate to Have Him Back”
Speaking ahead of City’s Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest, Guardiola was candid in addressing rumors, emphasizing his eagerness to see De Bruyne return to his best form.
“Do you think I like not playing Kevin? Do you think I don’t want him on the pitch?” Guardiola asked during the press conference.
“This is a player who has brought incredible success to this club over nine years. He’s been injured for months—last season, five months; this season, two months. At 33, it takes time to regain his peak.”
De Bruyne has faced an extended period on the sidelines following a hamstring injury sustained during City’s Champions League final win in September.
Despite making brief substitute appearances, including during the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool, the Belgian has yet to start a match this season.
His absence has coincided with a challenging run of form for the reigning champions, who are 11 points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Speculation of a rift between Guardiola and De Bruyne has been fueled by pundits, including Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher.
Both suggested a potential discord, given De Bruyne’s extended absence and his contract situation, which expires this summer.
However, Guardiola dismissed such claims, underscoring his admiration for the playmaker.
“I’d love to have the Kevin of his prime—26 or 27 years old. But he’s not that age anymore. He needs time to get back to full fitness,” Guardiola explained.
“He’s desperate to help the team, and we’re just as desperate to see him back at his best.”
City’s injury woes this season have impacted several key players, and Guardiola acknowledged the challenge of maintaining high standards with a depleted squad.
However, he remains optimistic. “We attack and defend as a team. Kevin or Erling [Haaland] alone won’t solve our problems. We’ll find solutions together,” he said.
As De Bruyne edges closer to full fitness, Guardiola’s message is clear: the bond between manager and player remains as strong as ever, built on mutual respect and a shared desire for success.
