Pep Guardiola denies rumours of a rift with Kevin De Bruyne

City have not won in seven outings in all competitions – their worst run since 2008 – with De Bruyne featuring only as a substitute in the last five of those matches after recovering from a pelvic injury.

NO FIGHTING: Pep Guardiola (right) has denied there are issues between him and Kevin De Bruyne (left). Pic: Martin Rickett/PA

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.