Jack Grealish has received instructions from Pep Guardiola on how to return to the Manchester City starting lineup.
In 2021, the 28-year-old England international joined City from Aston Villa after Guardiola successfully negotiated a £100 million deal in advance of the 2021–2022 campaign.
Since moving to the Etihad Stadium from his childhood club, Grealish has gone on to win two Premier League titles, one Champions League, and one FA Cup, albeit he hasn’t always been the team’s main player.
In his 110 appearances in blue, he has started 87 games for the team, scoring just 14 goals and dishing out another 17 assists. Due to his recent performance, some have questioned the amount Manchester City paid to get him for the team.
In addition to this, City decided to sign Jeremy Doku from Ligue 1 team Rennes in the summer, giving Grealish even more opposition on the left wing.
Grealish has only started 16 games in the current 2023–24 season due to Doku’s increased competition, injuries that have slowed him down, and a lack of form while wearing a City shirt. Guardiola has now revealed what he needs to see from Grealish in order to get back into the starting lineup.
“This season was not like last season, but he’s getting better. This season lately he is getting better and we’re looking forward.
“He’s doing the steps to get to his best level and now is competing with players at a high level. This is the only reason why. He has to demand himself to get back where he was especially last season and all the time in Villa. I’m looking forward to give him minutes.”
In a few months, Gareth Southgate will announce his 23-man England roster for the 2024 European Championship in Germany; in order for Grealish to play, he must make his way back into the City 11 as quickly as possible.
