Pep Guardiola has dismissed the idea that he has fallen out with Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgium international has not started a game since the middle of September as a result of a groin problem that, the 33-year-old says, meant that he could not kick a ball without experiencing pain until less than a fortnight ago.
De Bruyne did not come on until the 79th minute against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday as he continues his recovery, prompting Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher to suggest that “something isn’t right between” the midfielder and Guardiola.
In response to an unrelated question at his press conference ahead of Wednesday’s game against Nottingham Forest, Guardiola broached the subject himself, deploying a heavy dose of sarcasm.
“People say I’ve got a problem with Kevin,” he 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. He’s delivered to me the biggest success to this club.
“But he’s been five months injured (last season) 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.”
Guardiola was then asked if he feels De Bruyne can get back to his previous levels despite those injury struggles.
“I’d love to have Kevin in his prime, 26 or 27,” he replied. “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.
“But you think I’m complaining about that? It’s normal, it’s nature. He played 10 or 11 seasons, a lot of games. I know he is desperate to help us, he gives glimpses of brilliance that only he can have.
“But always I said, he himself will not solve our problems. Like Erling won’t solve it himself. We attack and defend together. We want the best players back.”
(Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images)
