New Delhi: Jack Grealish was a key figure in Manchester City’s Treble-winning campaign, but his role has changed this season. The 29-year-old has struggled for regular minutes, with manager Pep Guardiola preferring other options on the left wing. Brazilian talent Savinho has formed a strong connection with Erling Haaland, while Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden, and Oscar Bobb remain in contention. The arrival of £63m January signing Omar Marmoush has only made competition tougher.
Grealish showed glimpses of his best in City’s FA Cup win at Leyton Orient, setting up Kevin De Bruyne’s late winner. But despite that impact, he could find himself back on the bench for Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid. Guardiola has now publicly challenged him to prove his worth, urging him to fight for his place. With the season still open, the England international must now step up if he wants to regain his spot in the team.
A battle for a place in Pep Guardiola’s plans
Jack Grealish (L) Pep Guardiola (R) (Image via Reuters)
Manchester City have plenty of options in wide areas, with Savinho impressing on the left and Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden, and Oscar Bobb also in contention. The £63m January arrival of Omar Marmoush has only made things tougher for Grealish, who has had to settle for limited minutes.
He made his first start in weeks during City’s FA Cup win over Leyton Orient, setting up Kevin De Bruyne’s winner in the 79th minute. Guardiola acknowledged his impact but hinted that Grealish will likely be back on the bench when Real Madrid visit for their Champions League clash.
“Jack has this street mentality,” Guardiola said. “He’s a fighter. He plays with passion and doesn’t back down when the pressure is high. Against Leyton Orient, I saw that fire in him, wanting to prove me wrong. I love that.”
The City boss made it clear that performance is what matters most. He believes competition, not contracts, should drive players to improve. “Savinho has been fantastic with Erling Haaland on the left, but the season is still open,” Guardiola added. “Jack has to fight for his place against Savinho, Doku, and Foden. It’s all about assists and goals.”
Meanwhile, Guardiola remains hopeful that £50m signing Nico Gonzalez will be fit for the Real Madrid match. The midfielder picked up a knock against Leyton Orient, but City are monitoring his condition.
Grealish now faces a defining period at Manchester City. His performance against Orient was a step in the right direction, but he must show more if he wants to force his way back into Guardiola’s plans.
Pep Guardiola has challenged Jack Grealish to fight for his place at Manchester City, with rising competition from Savinho, Jeremy Doku, and Omar Marmoush making it harder for him to start regularly. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
