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The City boss has responded to claims of a power struggle with a key player.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has denied any suggestion of a falling out with midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.
Speculation arose after De Bruyne's limited playing time following his return from injury, prompting pundits to question the relationship between the two.
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What Guardiola said about De Bruyne’s situation
Guardiola addressed the rumours with a touch of sarcasm, emphasising the Belgian’s immense talent and importance to the team.
He highlighted the playmaker’s contribution to the club’s success and dismissed any notion of a personal conflict.
“People say I’ve got a problem with Kevin,” said Guardiola. “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 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 to this club.
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The manager acknowledged that De Bruyne, 33, needs time to regain his full fitness and form after a series of injuries and a recent groin issue.
He expressed his eagerness to have De Bruyne back to his best but stressed the importance of patience and a gradual return to peak condition.
“But he’s been five months injured (last season) and two months injured,” he said. “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.
“But always I said, he himself will not solve our problems. Like Erling won’t solve it himself. We attack and defend together. We want the best players back.”
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What next for Man City?
Guardiola’s men host Nottingham Forest in Wednesday’s Premier League action, keen to end a seven-match winless run (six defeats), with the latest a 2-0 reverse at Liverpool on Sunday.
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