Gary Neville suggests ‘something is happening’ between Pep Guardiola and a Manchester City player, with Jamie Carragher backing the claim.
Gary Neville has suggested there’s “definitely something happening in the dressing room” between Pep Guardiola and one of his players, as Manchester City’s poor form continues, with Jamie Carragher echoing his concerns.
City are enduring their worst run since 2004, going seven matches without a win, including a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool, who are now nine points clear at the Premier League summit. Injuries have undoubtedly played a role, but Kevin De Bruyne’s limited game time has raised eyebrows.
For the fifth consecutive match, De Bruyne was used sparingly, playing just 12 minutes as a substitute at Anfield. Guardiola acknowledged the situation post-match, noting De Bruyne had “good minutes,” alongside other key players, but his extended absence from the starting lineup has fueled speculation about his relationship with the manager.
On The Gary Neville Podcast, Neville called De Bruyne’s situation “unusual, bizarre, strange,” questioning why one of the Premier League’s greatest players isn’t starting. “We know he’s had injuries, but he’s a leader, a confident and brilliant player. Something is going on in the dressing room,” Neville said, adding that Guardiola may be planning for squad changes in the upcoming transfer windows.
Carragher also voiced concerns on Sky Sports, stating, “Something isn’t right between De Bruyne and Guardiola. For me, he’s been the best player in the league over the last five seasons. If he’s fit and not playing, something’s up.”
Gary Lineker weighed in on The Rest Is Football podcast, highlighting De Bruyne’s limited minutes and questioning whether there’s a rift, while Micah Richards suggested a “context” to the situation, referencing rumors of a potential move to Saudi Arabia and De Bruyne’s fitness management.
Despite the speculation, it remains unclear what’s behind the reduced role for the Belgian midfielder, leaving fans and pundits alike searching f
or answers.
