Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola says injury-hit Kevin De Bruyne is “desperate” to get back to his best form, but warned the midfielder may not be able to do so.
The Belgian international has struggled with a hamstring problem in recent seasons, but has managed to find playing time this season, coming on as a late substitute in Super Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.
Guardiola admitted ahead of Wednesday night’s game against Nottingham Forest that De Bruyne is close to starting. Man City will end a seven-match winless streak.
The manager emphasized how much he wants De Bruyne to return to regular action, saying: old.
“He needs time to get back to his best. It happened in stages last season, doing that and trying to feel better. I’m desperate to get him back to his best. ”
“I would love to have Kevin in his prime at 25 or 26 years old and he would be happy about that, but he doesn’t have that ability anymore and has had serious injuries and long-term injuries in the past. He needs to be physically fit for his game’s space and energy.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights of the Premier League match between Liverpool and Man City
“But you would think I would be complaining about that, and that’s understandable, because in 10 or 11 seasons he played a lot of games. He helped us. , desperately trying to show us a glimpse of his brilliance.”
“But he himself will not solve our problems. Erling [Haaland] Our problems will not be solved. We always attack and defend together.
“We want our best player to come back and hopefully it will be gradual. He can take his time and come back and that result will help us and bring the best out of him. He will.”
Man City currently sit fifth in the Premier League, 11 points behind leaders Liverpool. Injuries to a number of players have also had an impact, but Manager Guardiola is confident that his team will once again be at the top of the league with a full squad.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Josep Guardiola says Manchester City need to forget their recent form and focus on the next match against Nottingham Forest
“If we have the whole team from this season, we will be close to the level we reached last season,” he added.
“I’m coveting Phil’s five goals and assists.” [Foden]Kevin or Jeremy [Doku]maybe a little less from Jack [Grealish]Savigno etc. [Ilkay] Gundogan. If these four or five players can get five goals and assists, they’ll be at the top of the league. But what happened is, they’re not here, they’re injured.
“I think this is a bigger problem than we have. You never know what’s going to happen, but my feeling is we’re going to be a good team, but if we don’t find a solution with this absence… I have to prove myself and find a way with the team.”We have to clear our minds and try to win the game. ”
Neville: “De Bruyne’s absence is strange”
After Sunday’s defeat at Anfield, sky sports Pundit Gary Neville has addressed De Bruyne’s injury situation and believes there is more behind the scenes.
speak at Gary Neville PodcastHe said: “The Kevin De Bruyne case is extraordinary, strange and bizarre.
“We have probably the best player in the Premier League for the last 10 years, so why isn’t he playing? I know he’s injured, but why isn’t he playing? Because he’s a leader, he’s authoritative, he’s a leader.” He has confidence, he has a glow.
“There’s something going on, there’s definitely something going on in the locker room. There’s something going on.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Gary Neville shares his thoughts on Manchester City’s decline after four consecutive Premier League defeats
fellow sky sports Pundit Jamie Carragher added: “There’s something going on with De Bruyne. For me, he’s been the best player in the league for the last five seasons. He hasn’t started a game and today… He won’t even appear at halftime.”
“I don’t want to cause any more trouble for Manchester City, but there is something wrong between these two.” [Guardiola and De Bruyne]. It’s sad because we’re talking about the greatest manager and one of the greatest players in the Premier League.
“His contract runs until this summer and I know he’s had some issues, but there’s something wrong with him not being in the team when he’s doing well.”
Manchester City will pay the price for lack of talent
How did Manchester City allow this group of players to age without replacing them?
Adam Bate claims it was poor team building that cost Josep Guardiola as the Premier League champions’ hopes of defending their title crumble.
