Pep Guardiola has responded to claims that there may be issues between himself and Kevin De Bruyne, explaining why the Belgian is still not starting for Manchester City.The 33-year-old has struggled

Pep Guardiola has hit back at suggestions he is not selecting Kevin De Bruyne because of a rift with the Manchester City midfielder.

Speaking to Sky Sports, ahead of the upcoming clash with Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City boss Guardiola has denied that he has fallen out with his 33-year-old midfielder – after Micah Richards claimed there seemed to be a ‘rift’ between the pair.

Pep Guardiola has dismissed speculation of a strained relationship with Kevin De Bruyne following limited appearances for the Manchester City midfielder this season. De

Pep Guardiola has dismissed the idea that he has fallen out with Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgium international has not started a game since the middle of September as a result of a groin problem that,

Pep Guardiola’s comments follow former Manchester City defender Micah Richards speculating of a ‘rift’ between them, while Gary Lineker suggested ‘all’s not well’, before Jamie Carragher said ‘something is going on’, and Gary Neville called the situation ‘bizarre’.

Kevin De Bruyne has struggled with hamstring issues over the last few seasons; the midfielder came on as a late substitute in Sundays 2-0 defeat to Liverpool; Pep Guardiola confirmed he is close to st

City has not won in seven games in all competitions — its worst run under Guardiola — and De Bruyne has featured only as a substitute in the last five of those matches after recovering from a pelvic injury.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has dismissed talk of a rift with star midfielder Kevin de Bruyne and says he is "desperate" to have the Belgian back to his best. De Bruyne has only started four Premier League games in another campaign blighted by injury.