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.

Pep Guardiola has denied rumours of a rift between himself and Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne after pundits questioned the Belgium international's recent lack of game time. De Bruyne has only started four Premier League matches so far this season and his absence was called into question by pundits on Sky Sports after City's 2-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has denied he has a “personal problem” with Kevin De Bruyne and insists the playmaker’s absence from the team in recent weeks was down to his fitness issues.