Pep Guardiola mocked the notion he has fallen out with Kevin De Bruyne following the Belgian’s late cameo in Manchester City’s defeat at Liverpool on Sunday.
De Bruyne appeared for the last 12 minutes at Anfield with City already 2-0 down and the game seemingly gone, although he did miss an excellent chance to halve the arrears after capitalising on a slip from Virgil van Dijk.
De Bruyne has played just 72 minutes of football across five substitute appearances after returning from an abdominal problem and Guardiola insists his limited use is down to his desire to protect the 33-year-old.
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Sky pundits Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville suggested there may be an issue between the two but, speaking ahead of tonight’s game with Nottingham Forest at the Etihad, Guardiola said: “People say I’ve got a problem with Kevin? Do you think I like to not play 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 accepts he has to balance the desire to get their season back on track and the need to keep De Bruyne fit for the latter stages of the season.
“He’s delivered the biggest successes to this club,” Guardiola said. “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.
“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. I know he is desperate to help us, he gives glimpses of brilliance that only he can do.”
Injuries have hampered City – Pep
City have been battling an injury crisis and Guardiola lamented the fact he had not been able to call upon the club’s other attacking talents.
He added: “I’m desperate for five goals and assists from [Phil] Foden after last season. Five for Kevin, goals and assists from Jeremy [Doku], goals and assists from Jack [Grealish], from Savinho or Gundo [Ilkay Gundogan].
“Just five goals and assists [each] from these players and we’d be top of the league.
“Why hasn’t it happened? They were not here. They were injured. They weren’t ready. This is the bigger problem I have.”
