Carragher and Neville attacked by Guardiola as pressure mounts on Man City

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has launched an attack on Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville over comments the pair have made regarding Kevin De Bruyne.

The Belgium international has been used scantly by Man City in recent weeks since recovering from injury, which, coupled with the club’s poor form, has led to Carragher and Neville questioning why the proven Premier League star isn’t being used more extensively.

Carragher claimed on Sky Sports that “something definitely isn’t right between those two” while Neville added that “something is definitely going on in the dressing room”.

Guardiola hits back at De Bruyne doubts

Guardiola fumed at the accusations that things are going wrong behind the scenes at City, who have failed to win any of their past seven games, incredibly losing six of them.

“People say I’ve got a problem with Kevin. Do you think I like to play not with Kevin?” he told the media.

“No, I don’t want Kevin to play. The guy who has the most talent in the final third. I don’t want it. I have a personal problem with him after nine years together.”

Why is De Bruyne not playing for Man City?

De Bruyne is being nursed slowly back to health, with Guardiola eager to point out that past physical problems and age have taken their toll on the player.

“He’s delivered the biggest successes to this club,” Guardiola said. “I’d love to have the Kevin in his prime, 26 or 27. He would love it to. But he is not 26 or 27 anymore.

“He had injuries in the past, important and long ones. He is a guy who needs to be physically fit for his space and energy.

“He needs time to find his best. Like last season, step by step. He’ll try to do it and feel better.

“I’m desperate to have his best. I know he is desperate to help us, he gives glimpses of brilliance that only he can do.”

Man City face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Wednesday, with only a victory set to keep their fading title hopes alive.