Kevin De Bruyne has clarified his relationship with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola after inspiring the Premier League champions to a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest that ended their recent slump.
The victory was their first in seven games, unheard of for a Guardiola side or a team of City’s current stature. Injuries have played a major role, including the 33-year-old De Bruyne who has made only six starts all season and has been plagued with injuries for the last couple of years.
But while his recent absence from the line-up hasn’t been fully medically disclosed, the Belgian made it clear post-match that his “sports hernia” and the tricky nature of the issue is the sole cause, and that it’s not because of a falling out.
“It’s been an uncomfortable injury, a mystery and a puzzle,” he explained. “I’m getting better slowly. I was able to play a big amount of minutes and not feel bad.
“It’s a relief. Most of us had careers before City so I’ve played against relegation. It can be way worse.
“It’s been a tough time. We’ve not been at the level. We’ve had injuries, et cetera.
“Today is hopefully a first step to improve. It’s good to change the momentum. In some games we lost there were periods we weren’t playing bad.
“I know a lot has been said. There have never been issues between me and Pep. He knows I’ve been struggling [with a sports hernia]. It’s painful and uncomfortable.
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“I want to be back on the pitch. I felt good at the start of the season. I’m working hard to get back with my body.
“Maybe it’s going to be an up and down moment from now. Hopefully I can get back to my body with not much pain and then I’ll be fine.”
De Bruyne scored and set one up in the win over Forest, and with Liverpool being held 3-3 by Newcastle, it means the 11-point gap the Reds opened up over the incumbents by beating them at the weekend is already being trimmed.
If City are to mount a spectacular comeback between now and May, reeling in the current leaders early is a must and with De Bruyne sparking to life at the right time, one cannot rule it out.