Pep Guardiola has responded to claims of a rift with Kevin De Bruyne amid the Belgian midfielder’s injury struggles. De Bruyne, 33, has been sidelined for two months due to a groin injury and has been on the bench for the last five matches. Following De Bruyne’s omission from the starting lineup in Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool, pundit Jamie Carragher remarked that it was “sad” and suggested there might be tension between Guardiola and De Bruyne.
Guardiola sarcastically addressed these claims, saying, “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.”
Gary Neville described De Bruyne’s benching at Anfield as “bizarre and strange,” implying that “something is going on in the dressing room,” a sentiment echoed by former City defender Micah Richards and Gary Lineker.
De Bruyne mentioned last week that he has been struggling with pain while kicking the ball due to his ongoing issue, having spent much of the last two seasons recovering from injuries. Ahead of the match against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, Guardiola stated that he cannot rush De Bruyne back, even though he is “desperate” to have him on the pitch.
Guardiola acknowledged De Bruyne’s significant contributions, saying, “He has delivered to me the biggest success at 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 feel better. I’m desperate to have him back to his best.”
De Bruyne feels he is nearing full fitness, and Guardiola noted that he has taken significant strides forward recently. However, Guardiola cautioned that De Bruyne’s return won’t automatically solve all of City’s issues, especially after experiencing six defeats in seven matches.
Guardiola emphasized, “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 he will not solve our problems.”
As City looks 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.”
