Pep Guardiola has scoffed at the idea that he has fallen out with Kevin De Bruyne following the Belgian’s late performance in Manchester City’s defeat by Liverpool on Sunday.
De Bruyne came on for the last 12 minutes at Anfield with City already 2-0 down and the game seemingly lost, although he missed a great chance to halve the deficit after capitalizing on a slip from Virgil van Dijk.
De Bruyne has played just 72 minutes of football in five substitute appearances since returning from an abdominal problem and Guardiola insists his limited use is due to his desire to protect the 33-year-old.
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Sky pundits Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville suggested there could be a problem between the two but, speaking ahead of tonight’s game against Nottingham Forest at the Etihad, Guardiola said: “People say I have a problem with Kevin ; Do you think I like not playing with Kevin?’
He added sarcastically: “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.”
De Bruyne is past his prime
City’s defeat at Liverpool means they have gone seven games without a win in all competitions and Guardiola admits he must balance the desire to get the season back on track with the need to keep De Bruyne fit for the latter stages of the season.
“He has brought the biggest successes to this club,” Guardiola said. “I would love to have Kevin in his prime, 26 or 27. He would love that too. But it’s not 26 or 27 anymore.
“He had injuries in the past, significant and big. He’s a guy who needs to be physically fit for his space and energy.
“He needs time to find his best. Just like last season, step by step. He will try to do it and he will feel better.
“I’m desperate to get the best of him. I know he’s desperate to help us, he shines like only he can.”
Injuries hampered City – Pep
City are struggling with an injury crisis and Guardiola has lamented that he has been unable to call upon the club’s other attacking talents.
He added: “I’m desperate for five goals and an assist from (Phil) Foden after last season. Five for Kevin, goal and assist from Jeremy (Dokou), goal and assist from Jack (Grealis), from Savinho or Gudo (Ilkay Gundogan).
“Just five goals and assists (each) from these players and we’d be top of the league.
“Why hasn’t it happened? He wasn’t here. They were injured. They weren’t ready. That’s the biggest problem I have.”
