Jack Grealish’s £100 million move to Manchester City did not pan out as the player and Pep Guardiola had wanted, but the Englishman is playing at an exceptional level at Everton now.
Grealish’s time at Everton has been short so far, but he has returned to the player that people had once been enamoured with at Aston Villa.
His latest exclusion from the England squad was met with criticism from many in the English game, and that just shows how important he has been.
Jeff Stelling was among those who were shocked, while former Chelsea talisman Eden Hazard admitted he loves watching Grealish.
While Grealish is not available to play against his parent club, a rule Chris Sutton is frustrated with, it was only natural that Pep Guardiola was asked about his former player ahead of Manchester City vs Everton on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola, manager/head coach of Manchester City with Jack Grealish of Manchester City during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Pep Guardiola has been impressed by Jack Grealish at Everton
David Moyes will be hoping to cause a shock upset when the Toffees travel to the Etihad.
Everton’s chances of winning have been played down in the media, with Paul Merson among those predicting a loss for the Blues.
One of the main reasons the Merseyside club are not being backed for a result is the unavailability of Jack Grealish.
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However, despite the player not featuring in Saturday’s game, Pep Guardiola was asked about how he has viewed Grealish’s time at Everton so far, and he responded in his press conference via BBC by saying, “His impact has been massive since day one. He is playing well – it’s what he wanted.
“The position we have with him – he is a lovely, unbelievable guy, but he didn’t play for us for different reasons. He is back to real business. He is playing every game.”
Everton winger Jack Grealish.
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Pep Guardiola impartial on Jack Grealish not being able to play
The Manchester City boss was also asked about the rule preventing Grealish from playing, but the Spaniard insisted he had no opinion on it.
Guardiola said, “The moment I become a CEO or president of a big institution in England, maybe I would change it. If they play, that’s nice; if they don’t because of the rules, then honestly, I don’t really have an opinion.”
While he does not have a strong stance, he will be happy that his side does not have to face one of England’s most in-form players this weekend.