Picture this: The Etihad Stadium faithful are buzzing, but a familiar figure—Kevin De Bruyne—has been spending more time on the bench than on the pitch. Whispers of tension between Pep Guardiola and his midfield maestro have been swirling, especially after pundits like Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville weighed in, calling the situation “unusual, bizarre, strange.”
The Inside Gist: Let’s address the elephant in the room. De Bruyne’s season has been plagued by injuries—first a hamstring issue, now an abdominal problem. Since returning last month, he’s managed just 72 minutes across five games. His limited involvement during City’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool, introduced with only 12 minutes to go, added fuel to the fire.
Cue the speculation: Is there beef between Guardiola and De Bruyne? Pundits seem to think so. Carragher even suggested, “Something isn’t right between those two.”
Clock this: Guardiola, never one to mince words, shut down the chatter before City’s game against Nottingham Forest.
“People say I’ve got a problem with Kevin. Do you think I like to not play with Kevin? The guy who has the most talent in the final third. I’m desperate to have his best,” he fired back.
“He’s delivered to me the biggest success to this club. I have no issue with him after nine years together.”
Keep in mind: De Bruyne’s journey hasn’t been smooth sailing lately. The 33-year-old missed a chunk of last season after a Champions League final injury, and this campaign has been no different. Guardiola acknowledged the harsh reality:
“He’s not 26 or 27 anymore. He’s had important and long injuries, and he needs time to find his best. It’s normal. It’s nature.”
The Bigger Picture: With De Bruyne’s contract expiring next summer and no extension talks on the table, his priority is clear: regaining full fitness. Guardiola remains hopeful for flashes of the brilliance that has defined KDB’s career, saying:
“He gives glimpses of brilliance that only he can have. I know he is desperate to help us.”
What’s next? City fans will be keeping a close eye on De Bruyne’s minutes and his impact as he inches closer to peak form. One thing’s certain: Guardiola’s unwavering support for his star man squashes any rift rumours. It’s all about patience and the long game now.
