Guardiola Urges Grealish to Rediscover Form and Earn Manchester City Starting Role

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has challenged Jack Grealish to fight for his starting spot, citing the need for the midfielder to rediscover his form.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has challenged Jack Grealish to compete for a starting spot in the team, emphasizing that the attacking midfielder must earn his place. Despite being a key player for City, Grealish faces stiff competition for a spot in the starting line-up, and Guardiola expects him to raise his game.

Grealish had a notable impact in Manchester City's treble-winning 2022-23 season, making 50 appearances and contributing five goals and 11 assists. However, Guardiola is demanding more from the 29-year-old, urging him to recapture the form that made him a vital cog in City's success. By setting the bar high, Guardiola is pushing Grealish to rediscover his best form and cement his place in the team.

Jack Grealish's underwhelming performances this season have led to him being benched, with Brazilian youngster Savinho preferred in Manchester City's 4-1 league win over West Ham United on Saturday. Manager Pep Guardiola explained his decision, stating that Savinho was in better shape than Grealish. “Savinho is in better shape and everything than Jack, and that's why I played Savinho,” Guardiola told reporters.

Guardiola emphasized that he wants to see the same level of performance from Grealish that contributed to Manchester City's treble-winning season. However, he also made it clear that Grealish must earn his place in the team. "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.

“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,” Guardiola stressed, highlighting the need for Grealish to demonstrate his commitment and determination to regain his starting spot.

Jack Grealish's limited playing time for Manchester City has been a concern, with the midfielder making just six starts in the league this season. Grealish also spent time on the sidelines due to injury, which has hindered his ability to establish a rhythm. Manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged this, saying, “Two weeks ago, he was injured and he needs rhythm, and to play, but players need training.”

Despite Grealish's struggles, Guardiola remains confident in the player's quality. “I don't have any doubt about the quality of Jack or any of these players. They would not be here (otherwise),” Guardiola stated. The manager has witnessed Grealish's capabilities firsthand and is eager to see him recapture that form. “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,” Guardiola emphasized. Manchester City's next match is against Salford City in the FA Cup on January 11.