Pep Guardiola has played down talk of a rift between himself and Manchester City's midfield star Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgian has endured another season in which he has suffered with injury, starting just four Premier League matches in 2024-25.
But since returning from an abdominal injury that kept him out for eight weeks, De Bruyne has played a combined total of just 72 minutes across five substitute appearances.
When he came off the bench at Anfield on Sunday, there were just 12 minutes remaining in the eventual 2-0 defeat by Liverpool.
After both Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville suggested that 'something isn't right' between the pair in the Sky Sports coverage of the match, Guardiola defended their relationship.
"People say I’ve got a problem with Kevin," he said. "Do you think I like to not play with Kevin? 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. I'm desperate to have his best.
"But he's been five months injured and two months injured. He's 33 years old. He needs time to find his best."
De Bruyne had missed from August to January of the 2023-24 season following a recurrence of the hamstring injury that forced him off in the 2023 Champions League final against Inter Milan.
With his contract up for renewal at the end of the year, he has confirmed talks for a renewal have not yet begun as he focuses on getting fit.
"I'd love to have Kevin in his prime, at 26 or 27," said Guardiola. "He would love it too.
"But he is not 26 or 27 any more. He had injuries in the past, important and long ones, and he is a guy who needs to be physically fit for his space and energy.
"It's normal, it's nature. He played a lot of games for 10 or 11 seasons.
"I know he is desperate to help us. He gives glimpses of brilliance that only he can have."
Vudbmopsuy
0
There goes the haters again trying to derail City just because they got knocked down but not knocked out
Omo_Ologo
0
It's normal when the so-called big players don't start or don't play a whole 90 minutes, they start throwing tantrums like babies. Guardiola can deny as much as he like, we see the reaction. Guardiola is lucky that he's still as the manager of Manchester city, if any other manager would be losing 6 games in a row, he would be sacked. Ask Erik Ten Hag.
show a manager that won 6 epl nd was sacked
Comelnprz
1
PEP is playing mind games He will be back on form after the ruling of the court case
my-blood-is-red
0
Pep is just talking trash, his the main reason behind Man city’s struggle because he attested to it on the Champions league game; how can he did such substitutions just like a baby coach. If the Media asked he faking with injuries when players are around. People thought he will make different changes against Liverpool he went and brought the same formations why also that Rico Lewis. I wonder if Rico is not his biological son. Pep is just here acting the drama about “no matter what I will never be get sacked” that’s why his still continuing with what he’s doing.
Still no matter what he can't be winning every time there is ups and down in life just be a humble fans and accept this period of time
my-blood-is-red
0
This to all Liverpool fans
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United were there when he won the 6 trophies so jokes on you too
Jaysyde
1
Pep is a good manager & his recent slip goes to show he's human after all
gudiest01
1
This to all Liverpool fans
Jukkmopr
0
hi
True bro he is destroying everything, he plays players who doesn't perform well on the pitch. the new tactics when you don't have your best players is not there how can you play Nunus left wing on the bench you have Doku, Grealish and Savinho? Kelvin on the Bench and you play Lewis on Midfield? He is now tired we want to see City play good not rubbish football we are watch everyday
nopaciptuz
0
KDB pissed in the wash basin which pep was using for brushing
hucklmostu
2
Pep is just talking trash, his the main reason behind Man city’s struggle because he attested to it on the Champions league game; how can he did such substitutions just like a baby coach. If the Media asked he faking with injuries when players are around. People thought he will make different changes against Liverpool he went and brought the same formations why also that Rico Lewis. I wonder if Rico is not his biological son. Pep is just here acting the drama about “no matter what I will never be get sacked” that’s why his still continuing with what he’s doing.
reeacinoty
2
hi
Rabablptuz
0
A good dancer must no when to leave the stage. Zidane with champions League haeartricks for R.madrid knows when to leave field and that's the problem with Pep he doesn't read players body language.
meocily
0
playing Rico lewis instead of Kevin shows something is wrong,lewis is lucky he is in a talented team but he couldn't fit in ay Ipswich,its correct to assume something is up,playing him and sub him later
I concur. He is a minus in defence.
meocily
0
It's normal when the so-called big players don't start or don't play a whole 90 minutes, they start throwing tantrums like babies. Guardiola can deny as much as he like, we see the reaction. Guardiola is lucky that he's still as the manager of Manchester city, if any other manager would be losing 6 games in a row, he would be sacked. Ask Erik Ten Hag.
How do you sack a Manager who has won 6 titles in the last 7 seasons??? Does that sound like Ten Hag
Zezesol400
0
It's normal when the so-called big players don't start or don't play a whole 90 minutes, they start throwing tantrums like babies. Guardiola can deny as much as he like, we see the reaction. Guardiola is lucky that he's still as the manager of Manchester city, if any other manager would be losing 6 games in a row, he would be sacked. Ask Erik Ten Hag.
Who can sack de goat of coaches?! city need pep more than he need city
komcdeprty
3
Firing Pep will be the last thing anyone can ever think of. Six winless game can't cancel six premier league trophies.
dutdikotu
3
All
Setbcklpsy
1
line up for today pliz use pep gurdiola
kukdknoyz
1
It's normal when the so-called big players don't start or don't play a whole 90 minutes, they start throwing tantrums like babies. Guardiola can deny as much as he like, we see the reaction. Guardiola is lucky that he's still as the manager of Manchester city, if any other manager would be losing 6 games in a row, he would be sacked. Ask Erik Ten Hag.
beccloptu
0
is not nice to be laying pep, this whole thing doesn't make sense.
Jucdiknost
1
Paeadimotz
1
ok
Catiklmpty
2
playing Rico lewis instead of Kevin shows something is wrong,lewis is lucky he is in a talented team but he couldn't fit in ay Ipswich,its correct to assume something is up,playing him and sub him later
Pakacimru
3
No one remain at the top forever.