The Belgian playmaker's season has been ravaged by injury so far and some pundits have questioned the coach's use of De Bruyne during City's dire run of seven matches without a win although Guardiola himself has rubbished the speculation.

He said: "People say I’ve got a problem with Kevin. Do you think I like to not play with Kevin? 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?

"He’s delivered to me the biggest success to this club. I’m desperate to have his best.

"But he’s been five months injured and two months injured. He’s 33 years old. He needs time to find his best."

De Bruyne's contract expires next summer and the player has confirmed that he is yet to discuss an extension as he focuses on a return to fitness and Guardiola regrets that age is catching up with one of City's best players during their years of dominance.

The coach said: "I’d love to have Kevin in his prime, at 26 or 27. He would love it too.

"But he is not 26 or 27 any more. He had injuries in the past, important and long ones, and he is a guy who needs to be physically fit for his space and energy.

"It’s normal, it’s nature. He played a lot of games for 10 or 11 seasons.

"I know he is desperate to help us, he gives glimpses of brilliance that only he can have."