Manchester City’s Jack Grealish speaks with Manuel Akanji during a English Premier League soccer match against West Ham at Etihad stadium in Manchester, England, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Hodgson)
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said that Savinho was starting in place of Jack Grealish because the Brazilian was in better shape than the England player. He also said Grealish has to fight for his place in the starting XI.
Grealish was one of the crucial players in the City squad in their treble winning 2022-23 campaign but has seen his form dwindle in the next seasons, mostly because of issues stemming from injuries.
“Savinho is in better shape and everything than Jack, and that’s why I played Savinho. Do I want the Jack that won the treble? Yeah, I want it, but I try to be honest with myself for that. They have to fight. You can say it’s unfair,” Guardiola said.
“If you think that, then it’s fine, but you have to prove (to me), ‘Okay, I’m going to fight with Savinho, to deserve to play in that position’, every single day, every single week and every single month,” the Spaniard added.
Grealish who had scored five goals and assisted 11 times to help his side win the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup in 2022-23, has made just 6 starts for the club this season.
“Two weeks ago, he was injured and he needs rhythm, and to play, but players need training. I don’t have any doubt about the quality of Jack or any of these players. They would not be here (otherwise). I know that he can do it because I saw him. I saw his level and I want that, every single training session and every single game,” Guradiola said.
City next host fourth-tier side Salford City in the FA Cup on January 11.
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