I would love for De Bruyne to be at his peak, but he's no longer 26 or 27 years old

Pep Guardiola addressed growing speculation about his relationship with Kevin De Bruyne on Tuesday, dismissing claims of a rift with sarcasm.

The Manchester City manager faced questions after the Belgian midfielder, a pivotal figure in City’s recent successes, has managed just 71 minutes of playing time across five substitute appearances since returning from injury in November. The speculation, fueled by pundits such as Jamie Carragher, Gary Neville, Micah Richards, Alan Shearer, and Gary Lineker, has added pressure to Guardiola as he seeks to halt a rare seven-game winless streak, with City set to face Nuno Espírito Santo’s Nottingham Forest at 7:30 PM.

Guardiola responded with a quip aimed at the rumors. "People say I have a problem with Kevin? Do they think I don’t like playing him? No, I don’t want Kevin to play. The guy with the most talent in the final third I don’t want him. I have a personal problem with him after nine years together," he said, delivering his remarks with clear sarcasm. However, Guardiola quickly turned serious, explaining the rationale behind De Bruyne’s cautious reintegration into the squad.

At 33 years old, De Bruyne is no longer the player he was in his mid-20s, Guardiola admitted, but his importance to the team remains unquestionable. The manager outlined that the decision to ease him back into the lineup stems from a history of significant injuries, including a muscle problem last season that kept him out for five months. "He’s delivered the greatest successes to this club, and I would love to have Kevin at his peak, at 26 or 27 years old and so would he but he’s no longer 26 or 27. He’s had significant and lengthy injuries in the past, and he needs to be physically fit to find his rhythm and energy. He needs time to reach his best, and like last season, it will be step by step. He’s trying to improve and feel better, and I’m desperate to have him at his best. I know he’s equally desperate to help us and has already shown glimpses of the brilliance that only he can deliver," Guardiola said.

The City boss also used the press conference to shed light on the wider struggles his squad has faced this season. The team’s current seven-game winless streak is the longest in Guardiola’s managerial career, an unprecedented slump that has seen them drop to fifth in the Premier League table, 11 points behind leaders Liverpool. Sunday’s 2-0 loss at Anfield marked a low point in their campaign, with injuries and unavailability continuing to disrupt the squad.

Guardiola emphasized that these absences have been the root of City’s difficulties. "I’m desperate to get five goals and five assists from [Phil] Foden. Five from Kevin [De Bruyne], five goals and assists from Jérémy Doku, Jack [Grealish], Savinho, or Gundogan. I don’t need 20, 30, or 40 I just need five goals and assists from these players, and we’d be top of the league. Why hasn’t it happened? They weren’t here, they were injured, or they weren’t ready. That’s the biggest problem I have," he lamented.

The injuries have not only affected the availability of key players but also disrupted the team’s rhythm and chemistry. De Bruyne’s absence, in particular, has been felt in the final third, where his ability to unlock defenses and create scoring opportunities is unmatched. Guardiola acknowledged that managing a squad hit by injuries while maintaining competitiveness in the Premier League and Europe has been a significant challenge.

Guardiola’s comments also reflect the broader realities of managing an aging player like De Bruyne, whose contributions remain critical despite the inevitable physical limitations that come with age. His meticulous approach to the Belgian’s recovery highlights a long-term perspective, ensuring that De Bruyne can continue to play a central role in City’s ambitions as the season progresses. The manager’s statements were also a reminder of the fine margins in football, where the absence of a few key players can derail even the most well-oiled systems.

As Manchester City prepares to face Nottingham Forest, Guardiola’s remarks underline the urgency of turning their season around. For De Bruyne, the match could provide an opportunity to take another step toward regaining full match fitness and rhythm. For Guardiola, it represents a chance to silence critics and demonstrate that City’s recent struggles are a temporary blip rather than a sign of deeper issues.

The pressure on both the manager and the team remains high, but Guardiola’s insistence on a measured approach to player management and his clear vision for overcoming the challenges offer a glimpse into how he plans to navigate this turbulent period. Whether City can climb back into contention for the Premier League title will depend not only on results but also on the return to form and fitness of players like Kevin De Bruyne, who remains an irreplaceable figure in Guardiola’s plans.