Pep Guardiola responds to rumours of Kevin De Bruyne rift

Pep Guardiola has denied rumours of a rift between himself and Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne after pundits questioned the Belgium international's recent lack of game time.

De Bruyne has only started four Premier League matches so far this season and his absence was called into question by pundits on Sky Sports after City's 2-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday.

The 33-year-old was limited to just 26 matches in all competitions last season and has not been included in a 2024/25 starting XI since coming off injured during the goalless draw with Inter in the Champions League back in September.

City take on Nottingham Forest on Wednesday desperate to end a run of seven games without a win and Guardiola fired back at suggestions of a disagreement between the pair, insisting the club needs to carefully manage his minutes after his recent fitness issues.

He told reporters: "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's delivered to me the biggest success to this club, but he's been five months injured [last season] and two months injured [this season].

"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."

De Bruyne missed the first half of last season due to a hamstring problem but his return to the City squad inspired them to usurp Arsenal in the title race and win their fourth Premier League trophy in a row.

Guardiola added: "I'd love to have the Kevin in his prime, 26 or 27. He would 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. You think I'm complaining? It's normal, it's nature.

"He's played in 10 or 11 seasons a lot of games and I know he is desperate to help us. He gives glimpses of brilliance that only he can have.

"But, always I said, he himself will not solve our problems, like Erling [Haaland] won't solve it himself. We attack and defend together.

"We want the best players back. Hopefully step by step the confidence will come back and we'll get the best of all of us."

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