Is This The End For De Bruyne At Man City? Guardiola Breaks Silence On Rift Rumors

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has addressed the recent rumors surrounding a supposed rift between him and midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. The City star has been limited to just a few minutes of game time in the team's recent matches, sparking concerns about his fitness and a possible falling out with the manager.

However, in a recent press conference, Guardiola denied any suggestions of a rift between him and De Bruyne, citing the player's lack of fitness as the reason for his reduced game time.

According to sources close to the club, De Bruyne has been struggling with a knee injury, which has left him short of match fitness. As a result, Guardiola has opted to limit the player's minutes, preferring to use him as a substitute rather than risking further injury.

Despite the explanation, rumors of a rift between Guardiola and De Bruyne have been circulating in the media, with some reports suggesting that the player is unhappy with his limited playing time and is considering a move away from the club.

However, speaking to reporters, Guardiola was quick to dismiss these rumors, saying, "There is no problem between me and Kevin. He is an important player for us, but he needs to be 100% fit before he can play regularly. We will not risk his fitness for the sake of one or two games."

The news will come as a relief to City fans, who have been worried about the prospect of losing their star midfielder. De Bruyne has been instrumental in the team's success in recent seasons, and his absence has been noticeable in their recent performances.

Guardiola's decision to limit De Bruyne's game time may have raised eyebrows, but it is clear that the manager is prioritizing the player's long-term fitness over short-term gains. With a busy schedule ahead, including league and cup matches, City will need De Bruyne to be at his best if they are to stand a chance of winning major honors.

Meanwhile, City's opponents will be watching the situation with interest, knowing that a fully fit De Bruyne is a major asset for the team. The Belgian midfielder has a reputation for his creativity and vision on the pitch, and his absence has left a noticeable gap in the City lineup.

As the season progresses, De Bruyne's fitness will be closely monitored by fans and pundits alike. If he can regain his full fitness, City will be a force to be reckoned with, and their chances of winning major honors will be significantly enhanced.