PEP GUARDIOLA responded to claims of a falling out with Kevin De Bruyne amid the Belgian’s injury struggles. The 33-year-old midfielder was sidelined for two months due to a groin injury and has only been on the bench for the last five matches. Following De Bruyne’s omission from the starting line-up in Sunday’s 2-0 loss at Liverpool, pundit Jamie Carragher remarked that it was “sad” and suggested there was tension between Guardiola and De Bruyne.
Guardiola sarcastically replied, “People say I have a problem with Kevin. Do you think I like not playing 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! Yes, I have a personal problem with him after nine years together.”
Pundit Gary Neville described it as “bizarre and strange” to see De Bruyne benched at Anfield, suggesting that “something is going on in the dressing room.” Former City defender Micah Richards and Gary Lineker also echoed concerns about possible issues.
De Bruyne himself mentioned last week that he was struggling with pain when kicking the ball due to his ongoing issue. He has spent much of the last two seasons recovering from injuries. Ahead of the match against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, Guardiola stated he cannot rush De Bruyne back into action, even though he is “desperate” to have him on the pitch.
Guardiola acknowledged De Bruyne’s contributions to the club, saying, “He has delivered to me the biggest success to this club. But De Bruyne was injured for five months last season — and two months this season. It’s step-by-step. He’ll try to do it and feel better. I’m desperate to have him back to his best.”
De Bruyne feels he is nearing full fitness, with Guardiola noting that he has taken a significant step forward in recent days. However, Guardiola cautioned that De Bruyne’s return will not automatically resolve all of City’s issues, especially after an extraordinary run of six defeats in seven matches.
Guardiola added, “I’d love to have Kevin in his prime, 26 or 27. He’d love it, too. But he is not 26 or 27 anymore. He has had important and long injuries. He needs to be physically fit for his space and energy. I know he is desperate to help us — he gives glimpses of brilliance that only he can have. But always I have said, he will not solve our problems.”
As City aims to halt their slump against Forest, Guardiola indicated that De Bruyne is getting closer to being ready: “He’s closer and getting better. The last few days were even better.”