Guardiola insists there's no rift with De Bruyne amid Man City's struggles

In recent weeks, Manchester City, under the leadership of manager Pep Guardiola, has faced a notable downturn in performance, suffering their worst run of results. This slump, which includes four consecutive defeats in the Premier League, has raised questions about player-manager relationships, particularly concerning star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. De Bruyne, who has been recovering from a pelvic injury sustained during a Champions League match against Inter Milan on September 18, has only appeared as a substitute in recent fixtures, leading to speculation about a possible rift between him and Guardiola. However, Guardiola clarified in a news conference that the absence of De Bruyne from the starting lineup is solely due to fitness and not any personal issues between them. Beyond the injury concerns, Guardiola expressed his eagerness to have De Bruyne back in prime form, highlighting the midfielder's immense talent and contribution to the team's success. Furthermore, despite recent struggles, fellow coach Arne Slot defended Guardiola, arguing that he has nothing to feel sorry about given his impressive track record and numerous titles won with Manchester City. This comment came after City’s crushing defeat against Liverpool, amplifying the scrutiny of Guardiola's current predicament. Slot emphasized that football is unpredictable and that even the most successful managers like Guardiola endure challenging phases. He believes it's crucial to remain composed and recognize the long-term value that Guardiola has brought to the club, rather than jumping to conclusions based on immediate results. In summary, while Manchester City navigates a difficult period, Guardiola remains focused on rehabilitating De Bruyne and improving the team's overall form in the midst of external criticism and pressure.