'I don't want Kevin...' Pep Guardiola reacts to his rumoured rift with Kevin De Bruyne

Manchester City gaffer Pep Guardiola has addressed the recent speculation surrounding Kevin De Bruyne's limited playing time, emphasizing that there is no conflict with the star midfielder.

De Bruyne, who has made only four Premier League starts this season after returning from injury, has appeared as a substitute in his last five matches. This situation has prompted some pundits, including Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher, to voice their observations. Neville noted that De Bruyne's reduced minutes are unusual and have raised questions about the circumstances, while Carragher suggested that there may be more to the story regarding the relationship between Guardiola and De Bruyne.

De Bruyne’s future at Manchester City is uncertain. The 33-year-old is in the last year of his contract, and negotiations with the club have stalled. It’s no wonder Guardiola has been pressed about De Bruyne’s situation, and he has responded sharply, sarcastically dismissing any claims of a rift with his midfield star.

Pep Guardiola's remark on his rumoured rift with Kevin De Bruyne

"People say I've got a problem with Kevin. Do you think I like to not play with Kevin? No, I don't want Kevin to play. The guy who has the most talent is in the final third. I don't want it. I have a personal problem with him after nine years together. He's delivered to me the biggest success of this club. But he's been five months injured and two months injured. He's 33 years old. 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." Pep said.

"I'd love to have Kevin in his prime -- 26 or 27. He would love it too. 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 played in 10 or 11 seasons a lot of games. I know he is desperate to help us, he gives glimpses of brilliance that only he can have. But always I said, he would not solve our problems. Like Erling [Haaland] won't solve it himself. We attack and defend together. We want the best players back. Hopefully, step by step the confidence will come back and we'll get the best of all of us." Pep added.