Kevin De Bruyne has been selected to start for Manchester City on Wednesday night – just a day after Pep Guardiola was forced to deny there was a rift between himself and the Belgian.
De Bruyne, 33, has featured for just 72 minutes over five substitute appearances since returning from a lengthy pelvic injury last month – and conspiracy theories about his situation were suggested in the aftermath of Sunday’s defeat at Liverpool.
Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports that ‘something isn’t right between those two’ and Gary Neville vaguely offered that ‘something is definitely going on in the dressing room’.
Gary Lineker and Micah Richards discussed similar alongside Alan Shearer on their podcast ‘The Rest is Football’.
However, Guardiola hit back at these claims ahead of City’s clash with Nottingham Forest, and the Spaniard has put faith in De Bruyne from the start.
The under-fire City boss, who has seen his side lose six of their last seven games in all competitions, ridiculous the suggestions before hailing De Bruyne for his talents.
Kevin De Bruyne has been selected to start for Manchester City on Wednesday night
‘People say I’ve got a problem with Kevin,’ the City boss said on Tuesday. ‘Do you think I like to not play with Kevin?’
Guardiola continued 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.’
The 33-year-old has been cautious over his return from the most recent issue – and City are mindful of the accumulation of injuries after he missed five months following hamstring surgery last year.
‘He’s delivered the biggest successes to this club,’ Guardiola added. ’I’d love to have the Kevin in his prime, 26 or 27. He would love it to. 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.’
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