Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has categorically denied rumors of a rift with star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, emphasizing his eagerness to have the Belgian playmaker back at his best.
The speculation surrounding De Bruyneโs situation has been fueled by his limited playing time in recent matches, including a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool that left Manchester City 11 points off the pace in the Premier League. However, Guardiola has moved to quash these rumors, attributing De Bruyneโs restricted game time to his recent injuries.
โI donโt want to not play with Kevin,โ Guardiola asserted. โHeโs the guy who has the most talent in the final third. I have a problem with him after nine years together? Heโs delivered to me the biggest success to this club.โ Guardiolaโs comments aim to put an end to the speculation surrounding De Bruyneโs situation, and the manager is hopeful that the player will soon return to his best form.
Guardiolaโs denial of a rift with De Bruyne comes after several prominent pundits, including former Manchester City defender Micah Richards and former England striker Gary Lineker, questioned the playerโs limited playing time. However, Guardiolaโs comments have provided clarity on the situation, and the manager is now focused on getting De Bruyne back to full fitness and helping Manchester City get their season back on track.