Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hit back at suggestions he is not selecting Kevin De Bruyne because of a rift with the Belgian midfielder.
De Bruyne has been restricted to five substitute appearances since returning from an abdominal injury suffered against Inter Milan in September.
Guardiola waited until City were 2-0 down against Liverpool on Sunday before introducing the 33-year-old from the bench.
It prompted Sky Sports pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher to speculate that there is a simmering problem between the player and manager.
Neville said the situation with De Bruyne is “unusual, bizarre, strange” and that “something is definitely going on in the dressing room.”
It was a view backed up by Carrager, who said “something is going on with De Bruyne” and “something isn’t right if he isn’t in the team when he is fit.”
“People say I’ve got a problem with Kevin,” Guardiola said.
“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 for this club. But he’s been injured for five months 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.”
