Former footballers and analysts Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher suspect something unusual brewing within Manchester City. The focus of their speculation? Kevin De Bruyne’s absence from the starting XI in recent matches.
Amidst a slew of injuries and poor performances on the pitch, whispers of a rift between Pep Guardiola and De Bruyne have surfaced. However, Manchester City’s manager has sharply dismissed such claims.
The debate centers on De Bruyne’s limited game time since returning from injury. In the last five matches, the midfield maestro—pivotal to City’s success—has only been brought on as a substitute. In their recent clash against Liverpool, he played a mere 12 minutes.
Describing De Bruyne’s omission as “unusual, strange, and bizarre,” Neville speculated on Sky Sports, “Something must be happening in City’s dressing room.” Carragher agreed, adding, “If De Bruyne isn’t starting despite being fit, there’s clearly an issue.”
Guardiola, clearly irked by the chatter, addressed the matter unprompted during a press conference on Tuesday. His frustration and disappointment were evident:
“People are saying I have a problem with Kevin. Do you think I don’t want to play him? No, I don’t want to play the most talented player in the final third. After nine years together, now we’re supposed to have issues? Come on.”
The City boss also clarified why De Bruyne hasn’t been starting:
“He’s been one of the biggest contributors to this club’s success. But let’s be realistic—he’s been out for five months due to injury, and another two after that. He’s 33 years old now. Finding his best form takes time. Like last season, he needs to progress step by step. He’s working hard, and I’m desperate to see him back at his best.”
Guardiola further acknowledged De Bruyne’s age as a factor:
“I’d love to see the Kevin from when he was 26 or 27. But the reality is, he’s not that age anymore. He’s had lengthy, challenging injuries before, and to regain his position and strength, he needs to get fitter physically. He’s played countless matches over the last 10-11 seasons. I know he’s eager to help us, and he still produces moments only he can.”
The City manager also voiced concerns about the overreliance on De Bruyne as a savior:
“I’ve always said, Kevin’s return won’t magically solve all our problems—just as Erling (Haaland) alone can’t fix everything. We defend and attack as a team. Of course, I want all my best players back, and I hope Kevin regains confidence step by step, along with the rest of the team.”
Amid their struggles—six losses and a draw in their last seven matches—Guardiola’s team faces Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Wednesday. The pressure to turn things around is mounting.
