Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has responded to claims made by Sky Sports pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher that he has fallen out with midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.
Neville and Carragher suggested that Guardiola’s decision not to start De Bruyne in City’s 2-0 defeat at Liverpool was evidence of a rift between the two.
However, Guardiola has dismissed these claims, saying: “People say I’ve got a problem with Kevin. Do you think I like to not play with Kevin? That I don’t want Kevin to play?”
Guardiola emphasized that De Bruyne is a crucial player for the team, stating:
“The guy who has the most talent in the final third? I don’t want it. That I have a personal problem with him after nine years together?”
Guardiola attributed De Bruyne’s limited playing time to his recent injuries and age. “He’s been injured for five months and two months. He’s 33 years old. He needs time to find his best, like last season, step by step.
“I’d love to have Kevin in his prime, at 26 or 27. He would love it, too. But he’s not 26 or 27 anymore.
“He’s had injuries in the past, important and long ones. He’s a guy who needs to be physically fit for his space and energy.”
