Pep Guardiola’s latest Kevin De Bruyne comments will make Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville eat their words

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One of the biggest talking points from Manchester City’s 2-0 defeat against Liverpool was Kevin De Bruyne’s cameo off the bench.

The fact that De Bruyne was introduced into proceedings after Mohamed Salah doubled the hosts’ lead at Anfield shocked several observers.

Jamie Carragher’s claim about De Bruyne was that “something is not right” between him and Pep Guardiola due to how few minutes of football he has played since returning from injury.

Gary Neville agreed with Carragher about there potentially being a rift between him and the Manchester City boss.

Even Micah Richards’ opinion about De Bruyne was that there might be a personal problem between him and Pep Guardiola now.

The six-time Premier League winner would be frustrated that almost every time he has been asked to come on as a late substitute, the game in question has been beyond Manchester City’s reach to win.

Considering how instrumental the Belgian has been to Guardiola’s enviable success in England, the prospect of them falling out would be a sad sight to see.

Pep Guardiola shuts down Kevin De Bruyne rift claims

Ahead of Manchester City’s next game against Nottingham Forest, Pep Guardiola put all such speculation to bed.

Guardiola said via BeanymanSports: “People say, ah, Kevin [De Bruyne], I have a problem with Kevin. Do you think I have a problem with Kevin, I would not like to play Kevin?”

The Catalan tactician sarcastically added: “I don’t want Kevin playing. The guy, he has the most talent in the final third than the other, no, I don’t want it because I have a personal problem with him.”

Pep Guardiola continued: “We’ve been nine years, together, he delivered to me the big success in this club but he’s been five months injured [last season], two months injured [this season], he is 33 years old and needs time to be his best.”

“Like last season, it happened step by step to do it, tried to do it and feel better and I’m desperate to have him at his best.”

• READ MORE: Who is Kevin De Bruyne? Get to know Man City’s £54.5m assist king

Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville will be red-faced

For high-profile pundits such as Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville to stir the pot and make such unsubstantiated claims was a surprise in the first place.

Both Carragher and Neville were hugely important to two massive clubs in Liverpool and Manchester United respectively for several years.

As a result, the pair need no reminding of how untrue and baseless narratives can be painted about players for no rhyme or reason.

With that being the case, Pep Guardiola’s comments will have left them red-faced, as he has stated time and again that the reason why De Bruyne is yet to start in recent weeks is due to his precautionary approach to his fitness.

In October as well, Guardiola revealed that with the £54.5 million man being 33 and so much of his game relying on being an elite athlete, it would be futile to rush him back into starting matches.

The Spaniard revealed via HaytersTV: “No, it’s not a big issue, but he doesn’t feel completely fine and Kevin is not 22-years-old anymore, he has to be fit for his football.”

“He has to be completely, completely fit and he doesn’t feel comfortable at all. So he cannot express his incredible potential at his best, so that’s why he’s training a little bit better.”

“He said to me, ‘Still I don’t feel good’. So if you don’t feel good, take your time.”

Yet, Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville seemingly could not resist stoking the fire about what was a non-issue while analysing a game where there were several other issues to discuss aside from De Bruyne.

Pep Guardiola’s comments will prompt the punditry pair to perhaps be more mindful when making such claims.

Will De Bruyne start for Man City against Nottingham Forest?

Guardiola revealed De Bruyne’s fitness status has reached a point where he is closer than ever to starting games again as well.

“He is closer and even, even better. The last few days, he’s even better.”

Whether Pep Guardiola deems De Bruyne ready to start or continues to bring him off the bench is the question as Manchester City are in desperate need of taking three points home.

But simultaneously, it is important for the Manchester City boss to continue looking at the bigger picture when it comes to the midfield maestro.

Another potential injury to De Bruyne could further add to City’s woes this term and with plenty of the 2024/2025 season still left, he could help them salvage their season.

Regardless, Manchester City supporters will be delighted at how Pep Guardiola has come out fighting and shut down a non-story.