Frank Christian
Pep Guardiola, the head coach of Manchester City, can only claim the FA Community Shield as their sole trophy for this season.
The team’s disappointing performance this season has caused them to slip in the Premier League standings, and they’ve also faced exits from both the EFL Cup and the Champions League. Currently, they sit in sixth place with two games left to play.
After losing in the FA Cup final, Guardiola’s team is now focused on securing a top-five finish in the league to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
As the season wraps up, changes at the Etihad Stadium are expected to improve their prospects for the next campaign. Jack Grealish, among others, has notably struggled this term.
Once a vital component of Guardiola’s lineup, Grealish has started just 16 out of 31 games this season, scoring three times and providing five assists.
His limited playing time has raised questions, particularly highlighted in the FA Cup final where Guardiola chose to substitute 19-year-old Claudio Echeverri instead of Grealish in the 76th minute.
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This decision has led to criticism from Premier League legend Alan Shearer, who suggested that Grealish’s time at the Etihad might be drawing to a close.
In light of these developments, Guardiola has shared his perspective on Grealish’s career at Manchester City.
Guardiola’s Thoughts on Jack Grealish
Before the upcoming Premier League match against Bournemouth on May 20, Guardiola responded (comments via The Guardian) to inquiries about Grealish’s future with the team.
“We haven’t discussed anything; I haven’t spoken to him. People may find it hard to believe, but these decisions involve agents and the club, including Txiki and Hugo in this case. They will decide what happens. He needs to return to earning playing time,” the Catalan coach stated.
“It isn’t just Jack. No player in my squad, nor in any locker room around the world, is content when they are not playing. Even if the team is winning, they feel the pressure to understand their role – it’s a standard feeling. Players want to participate, and naturally, they are not pleased when they don’t play,” added Guardiola.
Grealish’s contract with Manchester City runs until the summer of 2027. As the summer transfer window looms, the club’s direction regarding the English star remains uncertain.
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