Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has dismissed rumours of a rift with star player Kevin De Bruyne. This comes amid speculation about the Belgian international's limited playing time and Manchester City's recent slump in form.
The Premier League champions have not won in seven outings across all competitions - their worst run since 2008. This downturn coincides with De Bruyne featuring only as a substitute in the last five matches after recovering from a pelvic injury. The latest instance was during Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Liverpool, which left Manchester City trailing by 11 points and sitting fifth on the table.
Pundits questioned De Bruyne’s limited playing time
Several prominent pundits have questioned why De Bruyne has not been starting games amid this dramatic slump. Among them is former City defender and club ambassador Micah Richards who suggested on The Rest is Football podcast that “there’s some sort of rift going on” between De Bruyne and Guardiola.
Gary Lineker, former England striker echoed these sentiments stating: “It seems like all’s not well.” Jamie Carragher, former Liverpool defender felt “something isn’t right,” while Gary Neville, Sky Sports analyst described the situation as “unusual, bizarre, strange.”
Guardiola responds to speculation
In response to these speculations during a press conference previewing his side's clash against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, Guardiola insisted he is "desperate" to have playmaker Kevin back at his best.
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City manager, said:
“People say I’ve got a problem with Kevin. 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?
“He’s delivered to me the biggest success to this club, but he’s been five months injured (last season) and two months injured (this year). 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.”
De Bruyne has not started since being forced off at half-time during City’s Champions League fixture with Inter Milan on September 18 due to an injury sustained in the previous game. Both player and manager have spoken about easing him back into action due to pain management but his prolonged spell on the bench has raised eyebrows.
Adding fuel to the fire of speculation is De Bruyne's contract situation. The Belgian international is in the final year of his contract with Manchester City, leading some to question whether this might be influencing his playing time. However, Guardiola maintains that nothing untoward has occurred and seems eager for De Bruyne's full return. While Manchester City’s recent form and De Bruyne’s limited playing time have sparked rumours of a rift between player and manager, Pep Guardiola insists there is no truth in these speculations. As sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts watch closely, only time will tell how this situation unfolds.
