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The Belgian was a late substitute on Sunday evening as his side suffered a damaging 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, courtesy of goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah which sent the Reds 11 points clear of the defending champions.
De Bruyne has struggled with a hamstring injury in recent seasons, missing 19 games last term with the issue, while in this campaign his minutes have been managed after he was forced to sit out five matches following a recurrence of the same problem.
But with Pep Guardiola’s out-of-sorts side needing a result against Liverpool to keep their dwindling title hopes alive, the decision to omit the 33-year-old from the starting side raised a few eyebrows, including that of Neville, who believes it shows that there are some issues inside the City camp.
“There are a few things that are interesting.”
“The De Bruyne thing is unusual, bizarre, strange. Why is probably the best player the Premier League has had in the last 10 years not out there? We know he’s had injuries but why is he not out there because he’s a leader, he’s got authority, he’s confidence and brilliance so something is definitely going on in the dressing room.
“There’s something happening but Guardiola has got complete [control] of the club, he’s extended his contract and he’s probably just waiting for the January and [summer] transfer windows.
“He has built two sensational football teams while he’s been at the club and he’s going to have to go and build a third.”
Neville’s view was shared by fellow former Premier League defender Jamie Carragher, who insisted that ‘something isn’t right’ between the attacking midfielder and his manager.
“Something is going on with De Bruyne,” he said on Sky Sports. “For me, he has been the best player in the for the last five seasons. He isn’t starting games and doesn’t come on at half time today.
“I am not trying to cause more trouble for Manchester City but something isn’t right between those two. It is sad because we are talking about one of the greatest managers, and greatest players in the Premier League.
“His contract is up this summer and I know he has had a few problems but something isn’t right if he isn’t in the team when he is fit.”
Last summer De Bruyne was linked with a move away from the Etihad as his current deal neared its expiration date.
There were reports that the Belgian was open to leaving the club and his absence from the side has only added further speculation.
Match of the Day host Gary Lineker also raised the question of whether there is a rift between De Bruyne and Guardiola, who has shown a ruthless streak with wantaway City stars in recent seasons. — Mailonline.
Online Reporter