Guardiola's Assessment: Grealish's Struggle for Game Time and Opportunity Ahead

Introduction

Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has expressed his belief that Jack Grealish's recent performances do not warrant a place in the team's starting 11. Grealish, who joined Man City from Aston Villa in 2021 for a then-British record of £100 million, has been struggling for game time and has not started a Premier League game since December. Guardiola attributes Grealish's lack of minutes to his performances, stating that he must improve if he wants to return to the side.

Guardiola's Assessment

Guardiola emphasized that Grealish is the same player and has the same manager, and the team's style of play has not changed. The difference, according to Guardiola, lies in Grealish's performance. The manager has consistently expressed the team's need for Grealish's special qualities but highlights that it ultimately depends on the player himself to prove his worth. Guardiola hopes that Grealish can deliver strong performances in the remaining three months of the season.

Grealish's Recent Record

In the previous season, Grealish started 28 top-flight games and played a crucial role in City's treble-winning campaign. However, since the start of this year, Grealish has not featured in the team's starting lineup. Despite starting both the FA Cup and Champions League finals last season, Grealish has found himself on the bench in recent matches against Brentford and Bournemouth.

Guardiola's Expectations

Guardiola made it clear that players cannot expect to be given three or four games to find their rhythm. He believes that players need to find their rhythm and perform at a high level, whether they play for 20 minutes or the full 90. Guardiola emphasizes that players must convince themselves that they deserve to play through their performances in training sessions and attention to detail.

Grealish's Injury Setback

Grealish's last start came in the UEFA Champions League against Copenhagen, where he played for 21 minutes before being replaced due to an injury. Guardiola acknowledged that Grealish's form had improved in the last month, leading to his inclusion in the important Champions League match. However, the setback in Copenhagen hindered his progress.

Opportunities Ahead

Looking ahead, Manchester City's upcoming FA Cup match against Luton Town could provide a good opportunity for Grealish to regain his form and secure more playing time. In their previous visit to Kenilworth Road, Grealish played the full 90 minutes and scored a goal in a narrow victory. Grealish has contributed three goals and two assists in 26 games across all competitions this season, starting in 19 of those matches.