Kevin De Bruyne is back in the Man City XI
Kevin De Bruyne is back in the Man City XI
Pep Guardiola has started Kevin De Bruyne just days after he was accused of having a rift with the Manchester City playmaker - who needed less than 10 minutes to provide an assist.
The Belgian has been out with injury and the Catalan had only used him sporadically, bringing him on from the bench during the loss at Liverpool on Sunday. Both Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher had suggested that there was a problem behind the scenes involving De Bruyne and his manager.
City's No 17 has been their most outstanding performer for years, being hugely influential during their Premier League domination. However minutes have been at a premium, even with the team struggling for results.
De Bruyne though is back in the line-up for the visit of Nottingham Forest as the Manchester outfit desperately seek three points. He is part of a midfield three that also features Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva with Guardiola seemingly putting to bed the accusations levelled at him.
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The City boss said: “People say I’ve got a problem with Kevin. Do you think I like to not play with Kevin? That I don’t want Kevin to play? The guy who has the most talent in the final third? I don’t want it? That I have a personal problem with him after nine years together?
“He’s delivered to me the biggest success for this club. But he’s been injured for five months and two months. He’s 33-years-old. He needs time to find his best."
After Sunday's loss at Anfield extended City's poor run of form Neville said: “The De Bruyne thing is unusual, bizarre, strange. Why is probably the best player the Premier League has had in the last 10 years not out there?
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher both hinted at a rift between Kevin De Bruyne and his manager
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher both hinted at a rift between Kevin De Bruyne and his manager ( Image: Getty Images)
“We know he’s had injuries but why is he not out there because he’s a leader, he’s got authority, he’s confidence and brilliance so something is definitely going on in the dressing room.”
Carragher agreed with his fellow pundit as he claimed: “Something is going on with De Bruyne. For me, he has been the best player in the for the last five seasons. He isn’t starting games and doesn’t come on at half time. I am not trying to cause more trouble for Manchester City but something isn’t right between those two."
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