Pep Guardiola sends message to Kevin De Bruyne after Man City manager's 'back to basics' instruction

Kevin De Bruyne has the backing of Pep Guardiola when it comes to playing his way back into form - but the Manchester City manager hinted that he won't be guaranteed a starting spot if he isn't playing at his best.

De Bruyne missed two games with illness recently and recovered to start at Bristol City last week, where Guardiola described his first half performance as 'passive', before an improved showing after the break that saw the Belgian score a wonderful goal.

However, De Bruyne appeared a little off the pace against Newcastle last week, prompting the manager to tell his talisman to go 'back to basics' in training this week. With City travelling to Crystal Palace on Saturday, Guardiola backed De Bruyne to bounce back from his minor drop in form.

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"He's always ready. Kevin, like with Gundo and John [Stones], are the players who remain from day one when we arrive," Guardiola explained, while leaving open the possibility of rotation at Selhurst Park.

"I know him quite well and how important he is. At the same time there are moments, ups and downs, like happens with Phil [Foden] and other players, they compete with other players. In one part of the season one player can be better than the other and another can be worse, it's normal.

"I try to decide the best to win this specific game, selection is always like this. In these seven years, Kevin has been Kevin and some more. All the time, when he didn't play it was for rest or tired or injured."

Guardiola has called the coming week 'decisive' in City's season, with a trip to Palace their final Premier League game before the international break before the Champions League