MANCHESTER, England — Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has refuted claims of having a “personal issue” with Kevin De Bruyne. He emphasized that the Belgian midfielder’s recent absence from the starting lineup is primarily due to fitness concerns.
Under Guardiola, City is experiencing a challenging phase, having gone winless in their last seven matches across all competitions. This streak marks their toughest stretch during his tenure. De Bruyne has been limited to substitute appearances in the last five games since recovering from a pelvic injury sustained during a Champions League clash against Inter Milan on September 18; he has not started a match since that injury.
Several football experts, including former City defender and current club ambassador Micah Richards, have speculated about the relationship between De Bruyne and Guardiola amid the team’s struggles. On the podcast “The Rest is Football,” Richards suggested that there seems to be an underlying issue between the two.
In response to these assertions during a press conference ahead of the Premier League match against Nottingham Forest, Guardiola remarked, “People claim I have a problem with Kevin. Do you really think I don’t want to play Kevin? Why would I want to avoid playing a player with such immense talent in crucial moments?”
He further elaborated, explaining that although De Bruyne has significantly contributed to the club’s success over the past nine years, injuries have interrupted his performance. “He had five months on the sidelines last season, and two months this year. Now at 33 years old, he needs time to regain his best form—a process that will take steps and patience. I’m eager to see him return to his peak performance,” he added.
Guardiola and De Bruyne have both acknowledged the discomfort the player experienced following his injury and the necessity of a careful reintegration into the game.
De Bruyne is currently in the final year of his contract with the team. Guardiola expressed a desire to see a younger version of De Bruyne, noting, “I would love to have the Kevin from when he was 26 or 27. He would desire that as well, but that’s not where we are anymore.”
He also highlighted that De Bruyne has dealt with significant injuries in the past and mentioned that he requires peak physical condition to maximize his potential on the field. “It’s a normal part of nature, and I’m not complaining. He has played extensively throughout his career and is undeniably eager to contribute to our cause, showing flashes of the unique talent he possesses.”