Pep Guardiola rages at Kevin De Bruyne fallout rumours with star still benched amid Man City crisis
PEP GUARDIOLA hit back at claims he has fallen out with Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgian, 33, was out of the Manchester City side for two months with a groin injury but only made the bench for the last five matches.
When left out of the starting line-up in Sunday’s 2-0 loss at Liverpool, pundit Jamie Carragher said it was “sad” and “something isn’t right between those two”.
But sarcastic Guardiola snapped: “People say I have 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!
“Yes, I have a personal problem with him after nine years together.”
Pundit Gary Neville had claimed it was “bizarre and strange” to see KDB benched at Anfield.
The ex-Manchester United star argued “something is definitely going on in the dressing room”.
While Gary Lineker and former City defender Micah Richards also felt there could be an issue.
But De Bruyne said last week that he was struggling as he felt pain when he kicked the ball due to his niggling problem.
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The Belgian spent much of the last two seasons on the treatment table.
And ahead of hosting Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, boss Guardiola says he cannot afford to rush him back — even though he is “desperate” to play him.
The Spaniard explained: “He has delivered to me the biggest success to this club.
“But De Bruyne was injured for five months last season — and two months injured.
“Like last 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 now nearing full fitness — with his manager saying he took a big step forward in recent days.
But Guardiola warned his return to the starting line-up will not solve all City’s problems after an extraordinary run of six defeats in seven matches.
He 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 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 for that? It’s just normal — it’s nature. He has played ten or 11 seasons of football with 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 have said, he himself will not solve our problems.”
De Bruyne will be hoping to play some part as City look to halt their slump against Forest.
Asked if the veteran was ready, Guardiola said: “He’s closer and getting better. The last few days was even better.”