Pep Guardiola said on Friday that clubs he has coached in the past were involved in spying on their opponents after Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa admitted to using espionage tactics.
One of the main conundrums facing Guardiola is which of the Silvas, David or Bernardo, might conceivably make way to accommodate De Bruyne.
“He's much better, not with the team, maybe two or three weeks and he'll be with us. everyone else is fit," Guardiola said.
But the early days of 2019 suggest their uncharacteristic December collapse is firmly behind them.
Sergio Aguero's response sparked a big laugh from his teammates, Delph and Benjamin Mendy.
Pep Guardiola ends the calendar year with his Manchester City side embroiled in what has suddenly become a thrilling title race for the first time in his Premier League managerial career.
Liverpool will next take on Wolves on Friday, while Manchester City will face Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Kevin De Bruyne's timely return to action for Manchester City is a major boost for Pep Guardiola as his team brace for a punishing programme over the festive period.
"He is an outstanding manager."
Benjamin Mendy could be out of action for up to three months following knee surgery, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola revealed on Friday ahead of the Premier League champions' trip to West Ham this weekend.
