Sat Dec 07 18:09:48 UTC 2024: ## Guardiola Denies Rift with De Bruyne Amidst Injury Concerns
**Manchester, England** – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has vehemently denied reports of a rift with star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, insisting he is desperate to see the Belgian return to his best form. De Bruyne, a six-time Premier League winner with City, has been hampered by injury this season, starting only four league games. His recent appearances have been limited to brief substitute roles, totaling just 72 minutes since returning from an eight-week absence last month.
Following City’s recent string of poor results, including a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool, pundits Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville speculated about a potential falling out between Guardiola and De Bruyne, questioning the manager’s limited use of the midfielder.
Guardiola, however, dismissed these suggestions ahead of City’s match against Nottingham Forest. He stressed his unwavering belief in De Bruyne’s talent and his desire to see him contribute fully to the team. He attributed De Bruyne’s limited playing time to a combination of injury setbacks (including a five-month absence last season) and his age (33). Guardiola emphasized the importance of managing De Bruyne’s fitness to ensure his long-term effectiveness.
De Bruyne’s contract expires next summer, and while he has confirmed that contract extension talks have not yet begun, he remains focused on regaining full fitness. Guardiola acknowledged that De Bruyne’s current form isn’t his peak, but expressed confidence in his ability to regain his top form.
First Piper 