Pep Guardiola’s well-documented struggles with Jack Grealish at Manchester City offer a stark lesson for Arne Slot, as he looks to continue to build harmony and success at Anfield.
Reports suggest that Guardiola and Grealish are no longer on good terms, with the 29-year-old expected to leave the Etihad before the season kicks off.
Despite the recent reunion of the Gallagher brothers for the Oasis tour, the City boss, and Grealish maintained their distance during Friday night’s show at Heaton Park. Although both were in the same VIP section, observers noted they watched the concert separately, highlighting the growing rift.
An onlooker told the Mirror: “Jack and Pep were stood in the same VIP section of the Oasis gig but at complete opposite ends of the stand. Brummie Jack was in full spirits, belting every word while Pep seemed to be more family focused. The pair didn’t interact with one another, at least publicly, but they both had a great night.”
Guardiola, who attended the concert with his daughter Maria, is a well-known Oasis fan. Noel Gallagher also designed one of Manchester City’s kits last season and has been spotted celebrating with the team on the pitch after title wins. While Grealish is also a big Oasis fan and has been seen leading the squad in singing Wonderwall in the dressing room.
Last month, Grealish was left out of City’s squad for the Club World Cup, signaling a shift in the player’s role. Since joining City from Aston Villa in 2021, Grealish was an important part of Guardiola’s treble-winning side in 2022-23.
However, over the past two seasons, he has struggled for consistent playing time, starting just seven Premier League games in the 2024-25 campaign.
Jack Grealish
Jack Grealish is set to leave City this summer (Image: 2025 CameraSport)
Guardiola’s handling of Grealish’s form and attitude has often been described as delicate at best, with moments that hinted at frustration from both sides. This uneasy dynamic will have arguably affected not only Grealish’s performances but also the wider squad atmosphere.
For Slot, this example highlights the risks of mishandling key players. Liverpool’s squad includes several high-profile figures whose confidence and buy-in are crucial to maintaining balance on and off the pitch.
Slot’s continued success will depend not just on tactics and training but on his ability to nurture relationships and manage egos carefully. Missteps similar to Guardiola’s with Grealish — such as public criticism, inconsistent communication, or failing to manage expectations — could undermine the delicate team dynamics.
Liverpool.com says: For Arne Slot how Guardiola has handled the situation with Grealish serves as a crucial lesson: success isn’t just about formations or transfers, but also about maintaining harmony in the dressing room