Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola speaks with Jack Grealish on the touchline
Pep Guardiola is hoping Jack Grealish can finally find some 'consistency' towards the end of a difficult season for the England star
Pep Guardiola has brushed aside the latest criticism of Jack Grealish’s lifestyle but has opened up on his frustration at the England man’s difficult season.
And the Manchester City boss admits he does not know what will happen to Grealish at the end of the campaign. Grealish was pictured in a North East social club the day after City’s FA Cup win over Plymouth Argyle last weekend, prompting further debate about the 29-year-old’s off-the-field behaviour.
Guardiola refused to comment specifically on the photographs of Grealish enjoying some down-time on a day off, merely saying: “He’s so famous, people follow him. Nothing to comment.
“A day off is a day off, there is no training. They (the players) know what they have to do. They have private lives to do whatever they want. I’m not going to control what they do in their private life. I judge what I see on the pitch, the training sessions and the performances in the game. That’s where I judge the players.”
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And he has certainly judged Grealish, giving him only six Premier League starts this season. Guardiola went on: “I wanted Jack at his best, of course, but he had setbacks and didn’t play but that was sometimes for the injuries.
"He could not get the rhythm that you need for being ready every three days. Jack played really good the last game (against Plymouth) and hopefully he can have the consistency.”
And when it was suggested that Grealish’s best Premier League performance in 2024/25 probably came in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the Etihad in early December, the City manager gave a pointed six-word answer, saying: “That was a long time ago.”
Fourth-placed City travel to third-placed Forest and Grealish is unlikely to start ahead of Jeremy Doku. And with England boss Thomas Tuchel naming his first squad next Friday, Grealish is bound to be not only sweating over his place for the upcoming qualifiers but will also be concerned about his prospects for next year’s World Cup finals.
Pep Guardiola refused to speculate on Grealish's Man City future beyond the end of this season
Pep Guardiola refused to speculate on Grealish's Man City future beyond the end of this season ( Image: Getty Images)
That has led to speculation that a lack of game-time could prompt him to look for a move away from the Etihad. Guardiola said: “I understand all the frustrations of all my players. It’s so good to have a dream to play in the World Cup and the European Cup with his national team. I’m not bothered with that. It would be a concern if it was otherwise.
“What happens in terms of Jack, in terms of everyone … they will be treated at the end of the season. But now we are playing for many important things for the club. I want the best not just for Jack but for everyone. He is a player for Man City player. What will happen? I don’t know what is going to happen.”
Grealish is available for a starting place at the City Ground, with Guardiola confirming: “Yes, he’s ready. He had seven days, and everybody is fit.” But the City manager is more likely to go with Doku in the left-sided attacking role. Guardiola confirmed that Nathan Ake could be out for three months after foot surgery.
Manchester City probable line-up (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Khusanov, Gvardiol; Nico Gonzalez, Kovacic; Tavinho, Marmoush, Doku; Haaland
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