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Pep Guardiola explains why Kevin De Bruyne has made five appearances off the bench which led to speculations of a rift between the two.
Kevin De Bruyne’s contract with Manchester City is yet to be renewed. (AP Photo)
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has hit back at rumours of a rift between him and midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. Since returning from injury, De Bruyne has made five appearances off the bench. His lack of meaningful minutes prompted Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher suggesting that something is going on between the midfielder and the City manager.
Guardiola has hit back at the comments with a sarcastic remark.
“People say I’ve got 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. I have a personal problem with him after nine years together,” he told reporters.
While pointing out how De Bruyne has been instrumental in Manchester City’s success in recent years, he added that the player is now in his thirties which meant he requires a longer time to get back to his best.
“He’s delivered to me the biggest success to this club. But he’s been five months injured 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 said.
De Bruyne is currently facing an uncertain future at Manchester City. The Belgian midfielder is in the final six months of his contract. He recently confirmed that talks over a new contract/extension with his club were put on hold and it could lead to the ongoing season being his last with the Guardiola-coached side.
“I am happy, I just want to play football again and we will see. Talks will come, if no talks come it will be my last year,” De Bruyne said in November.
While there is still no confirmation if De Bruyne will continue at Manchester City next season, the he continues to be a top performer for the club. He was on the scoresheet as Manchester City beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium.
Given his form, De Bruyne could find his way back to the team’s starting line-up against Crystal Palace. The Premier League fixture will take place at Selhurst Park on December 7.
