Pep Guardiola denies rumours of a rift with Kevin De Bruyne

A number of prominent pundits have questioned why the Belgium international has not been starting games amid the champions' dramatic slump.

Manchester City's head coach Pep Guardiola has denied rumours of a rift with Kevin De Bruyne. Pic: AP Photo/Ian Hodgson.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has rubbished suggestions of a rift with Kevin De Bruyne, insisting he is “desperate” to have the playmaker back at his best.

A number of prominent pundits, including former City defender and club ambassador Micah Richards, have questioned why the Belgium international has not been starting games amid the champions' dramatic slump.