The problems continue for Guardiola, a serious problem with Manchester City leaks

Pep Guardiola has been forced to deny rumors of a personal rift with one of his key players amidst Manchester City's recent slump in form. The City manager sought to quash speculation linking him to a falling out with a star player who has been instrumental in the club's recent successes.

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The Citizens currently sit fifth in the Premier League table after a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield last Sunday. This loss extended their winless run to seven matches across all competitions, a stark contrast to the dominance they have shown in recent seasons.

Kevin De Bruyne, a pivotal figure in City's midfield, has been a notable absentee from the starting lineup in several of these matches. The Belgian international has been struggling with a pelvic injury since September and has made only sporadic appearances off the bench.

Several pundits, including former City player Micah Richards on 'The Rest is Football' and Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville, have suggested that there may be underlying tensions between Guardiola and De Bruyne. These speculations have fueled concerns among fans about the team's chemistry and the manager's relationship with his squad.

However, Guardiola has vehemently denied these claims. Speaking to the media ahead of City's next match, the Spaniard stated, "People say I have a problem with Kevin (De Bruyne). Do you think I don't like playing with Kevin? That I don't want to play with him?" He continued, "But last season he was injured for five months and two months this season. He is 33 years old. He needs time to reach his best form. Step by step, like last season. I am desperate to have him at his best. I would like to have him at his peak, like when he was 26 or 27. He would too. But he is not that age and he needs to be very fit physically for his game."

Guardiola's comments aim to dispel any notion of a rift with De Bruyne and instead highlight the challenges posed by the player's age and injury history. The manager emphasized his desire to have De Bruyne back to his best but acknowledged the need for patience as the midfielder works his way back to full fitness.

As Manchester City looks to turn their season around, the relationship between Guardiola and his players will be under intense scrutiny. The manager's public denial of any personal issues with De Bruyne should help to alleviate some of the concerns among fans and the media. However, the team's performance on the pitch will ultimately determine whether Guardiola can successfully navigate this challenging period and restore City to their former glory.