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.
However, he has featured for just 72 minutes across five substitute appearances since returning from an eight-week absence with an abdominal issue last month.
In a discussion on Sky Sports after the game, pundits Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville both questioned Guardiola’s use of De Bruyne in a run of six defeats and a draw in seven matches.
Guardiola did not mention the pair directly but, before the Premier League encounter with Nottingham Forest, said there was no issue with De Bruyne.
“People say I’ve got a problem with Kevin,” he said. “Do you think I like to not play with Kevin? 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 to this club. I’m desperate to have his best.
De Bruyne was out from August to the beginning of January last season after suffering a recurrence of a hamstring issue that forced him to be replaced in the first half of the 2023 Champions League final victory over Inter Milan.
His contract expires next summer and De Bruyne has confirmed talks are yet to take place over an extension, as he prioritises his return to fitness.
