Pep Guardiola reveals the truth about the problem he has with one of his players

Amidst a tough patch for Manchester City, Pep Guardiola has been forced to respond to rumors suggesting there could be a personal issue between him and one of the club's key stars. Kevin De Bruyne, a pivotal figure in the team’s recent successes, has been at the center of speculation following City’s struggle to maintain form. The team, after winning four consecutive Premier League titles, now finds itself in fifth place heading into the 14th matchweek.

Manchester City’s slump reached a new low with a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield last Sunday. The team hasn’t won since October 26, experiencing six losses and a draw, which marks an unprecedented run under Guardiola’s leadership. During this period, De Bruyne has been a substitute in five of the seven games, having not started since his pelvic injury against Inter on September 18. The injury has led some commentators, including former City player Micah Richards and football pundits Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville, to suggest there may be a deeper issue between Guardiola and De Bruyne.

Guardiola Denies Tensions with De Bruyne

Guardiola firmly denied these rumors just hours before City’s midweek match against Nottingham Forest, saying: “They say I have a problem with Kevin (De Bruyne). Do you think I don’t like playing with Kevin? He’s the player with the most talent in the final third. Do I have a personal problem with him after nine years together? He’s given me the greatest success at this club.”

Guardiola acknowledged that De Bruyne’s injury struggles have been a factor, saying, “Last season he was out for five months, and this season, two months. He’s 33. He needs time to regain his best form. Step by step, just like last season. I’m desperate to have him at his best. I wish he was at the level of when he was 26 or 27. He also wants that, but he’s not that age anymore. He needs to be in top physical condition to perform at his best.”

• City’s Struggles: Manchester City has struggled with six losses and one draw in their last seven matches.
• De Bruyne’s Injury: Kevin De Bruyne has not started since his pelvic injury in September and has been used as a substitute.
• Guardiola’s Response: Guardiola firmly denied any personal issue with De Bruyne and emphasized his desire for the player to regain full fitness.
• De Bruyne’s Future: Guardiola acknowledged that De Bruyne’s age and injury history require a careful approach to bring him back to his best.