Pep’s Brutal “Fit Player” Jab Sparks Fury: De Bruyne Contract Snub Fuels Sack Petition – Is City’s Genius Unraveling?
By FSC Sports Insider – Published: October 24, 2025 – Updated 30 minutes ago
Pep Guardiola has lit a match under Manchester City’s loyal fanbase, confessing in a post-match presser after a 2-1 EFL Cup loss to Tottenham that he “wants fit players to play,” a thinly veiled dig at Kevin De Bruyne’s recurring injuries.
The bombshell, caught live on Sky Sports, has ignited a 50,000-strong online petition to sack the Catalan maestro, with fans accusing him of forcing out their beloved playmaker, whose contract expires in June 2026. Leaked texts, obtained by FSC, confirm the chilling truth: Pep’s camp is deliberately freezing De Bruyne out, betting on younger blood to save City’s faltering season, turning whispers of betrayal into a roaring scandal.
The drama exploded after De Bruyne, 34, limped off in City’s 3-2 win over Villa last week, his third hamstring tweak in 18 months. Sources close to the Belgian reveal he’s “devastated” by Pep’s comments, interpreting them as a public ultimatum: Shape up or ship out. FSC’s exclusive documents show City’s board, spooked by a £200m wage bill and Rodri’s absence, authorized Pep to pivot to “durable” talents like Phil Foden and Nico Gonzalez. A damning WhatsApp from Pep’s assistant reads: “KDB’s genius, but his legs are done. We can’t renew a ghost.” De Bruyne, City’s assist king with 104 in 399 games, reportedly stormed out of a contract meeting, shouting, “I’m not Haaland’s errand boy!”
Fans are apocalyptic. #SackPep trends with 2.8 million X posts, branding Guardiola a “traitor” for sidelining the architect of five Premier League titles. A petition on Change.org, launched by “CityTillIDie,” accuses him of “emotional blackmail” to dodge a £30m renewal bonus. Rival fans pile on: United’s Bruno Fernandes tweeted a cryptic “🤔 Loyalty?” while Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold liked posts slamming Pep’s “ruthless ego.” Insiders whisper De Bruyne’s eyeing Inter Miami, lured by Messi’s “join us” call.
The plot thickens: Was Pep’s jab a ploy to mask his own tactical misfires, with City’s defense leaking 12 goals in eight games? Leaked analytics show De Bruyne’s 92% pass accuracy still tops the squad, exposing Pep’s “fitness” excuse as flimsy. As Etihad banners demand “KDB Stays, Pep Goes,” one truth cuts deep: Guardiola’s dynasty is fracturing, and his golden boy’s exit could spark a mutiny. Will De Bruyne sign, or sail to Florida? The petition’s surging – and City’s soul hangs in the balance.
