Pep Guardiola wants Jack Grealish to get back to the level he showed during Manchester City’s treble-winning season of 2022-2023. Grealish has had a difficult time finding consistent form this season, and Guardiola has made it clear that he is hoping the winger can rediscover that consistency before the season ends. Despite the struggles, Guardiola believes Grealish still has a big role to play in City’s season. Grealish has made 24 appearances for City this season, but only 13 of those have been starts. He has only scored twice, once in the FA Cup against Salford City and again in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain.
Grealish’s issues with form have been ongoing for some time. Last season, he made only 26 starts and scored just three goals. These numbers have raised concerns, especially since Grealish was once considered one of the top talents in the Premier League. His struggles led to his exclusion from Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024, which was a significant blow for both the player and the national team. The former Aston Villa captain was a key player for City during their treble-winning season, but this season has seen him struggle to maintain that same level of performance.
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In addition to his form, Grealish has also been dealing with injury problems. He has had a hip injury recently, which has kept him out of action for a period. Despite this, Grealish has traveled to Spain with the team for their crucial Champions League clash with Real Madrid. This game is a must-win for City, as they try to keep their hopes alive in the competition. Grealish was substituted early in the first leg of this Champions League tie, a match in which City had a 1-0 lead and then a 2-1 lead but eventually lost 3-2. Guardiola was asked about Grealish’s absence from the 4-0 win over Newcastle United, and he explained that the winger was capable of playing a good game, like he did in the FA Cup, but lacked the consistency to play every week, especially with the intense schedule that City faces.14e
Guardiola mentioned that Grealish was not able to play three games in a week or six games in two weeks. However, the City boss remains hopeful that with the three and a half months left in the season, Grealish will find his rhythm and be able to contribute more consistently to the team. Guardiola’s comments show that he still believes in Grealish’s ability to make an impact but recognizes that the player needs to find a way to maintain his level of performance over an extended period.
Looking back at last season’s Champions League, City was eliminated by Real Madrid in a dramatic and heartbreaking manner. City fired off 33 shots in a 1-1 draw at home in the second leg, but they were ultimately knocked out after a penalty shootout. Bernardo Silva was one of the two players to miss a penalty in that shootout, with his weak Panenka attempt being saved by Madrid’s goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. Despite that miss, Silva showed no regrets and insisted that he would be willing to take another penalty if needed in the future. Silva’s calmness and mentality were evident as he stated that you can only miss a penalty if you take one, and he had no regrets about his attempt.
Silva also spoke about the upcoming Champions League match with Real Madrid, acknowledging that Madrid is a formidable opponent but expressing belief that City could still make things difficult for them. Silva stated that Madrid, like any team, has weaknesses that can be exploited. He stressed that no team is perfect, and that includes both Madrid and City. He emphasized the importance of finding a way to bring the game to a place where City would feel more comfortable. Despite the difficulty of the task, Silva and the rest of the team are determined to make things as difficult as possible for Madrid. He acknowledged that there will be suffering in the game but hoped that they could limit it as much as possible.
The confidence in Silva’s words reflects the belief that City can still compete at the highest level despite their setbacks. While the team may be facing challenges, including the absence of some key players and inconsistent performances from others, there is still a sense of determination and optimism. Guardiola’s belief in Grealish’s ability to get back to his best is part of this broader hope that City can overcome their struggles and finish the season strongly.
Grealish’s struggles to find consistency have been one of the main talking points of the season for Manchester City. The winger was signed for a club-record fee from Aston Villa, and with such a hefty price tag, there have always been high expectations for him. Grealish has shown flashes of brilliance at City, but his performances have been inconsistent. He has struggled to find his place in Guardiola’s system at times, and that has been evident in his lack of goals and assists. However, Guardiola has continued to show faith in him, and he is hopeful that Grealish can improve as the season progresses.
One of the challenges for Grealish has been adjusting to the demands of playing for a club like Manchester City. At Villa, he was the focal point of the team and had more freedom to express himself. At City, with so many world-class players around him, Grealish has had to adapt to a more structured and tactical system. This adjustment has not always been easy for him, but Guardiola is confident that with time, he can find the consistency that he needs to fulfill his potential at City.
The injury problems that Grealish has faced this season have also hampered his ability to maintain any sort of rhythm. When players are constantly struggling with injuries, it is difficult for them to find their best form. Guardiola has been mindful of this, and it is clear that he is giving Grealish the time and support he needs to recover and get back to his best. The fact that Grealish has traveled with the team for such an important Champions League game shows that he is still a key part of Guardiola’s plans, even if he is not always in the starting lineup.
Grealish’s situation at City is not unique. Many players have to deal with injuries and inconsistent form over the course of a season. What sets Grealish apart is the pressure that comes with his price tag and the expectations that come with being part of a team like Manchester City. The team is aiming for multiple trophies this season, and every player’s contribution is vital. Grealish has the ability to be a match-winner for City, as he showed during their treble-winning season, but he needs to find a way to consistently perform at a high level.
The upcoming months will be crucial for Grealish and for Manchester City. With the Champions League knockout stages approaching and the Premier League title race still very much alive, City will need their key players to step up and perform consistently. Guardiola will be hoping that Grealish can get back to his best, and if he does, he will be an important asset in the team’s pursuit of silverware. The pressure will be on Grealish to deliver, but with the support of Guardiola and his teammates, there is hope that he can rediscover his form and help City achieve their goals for the season.
As for Silva and the rest of the City squad, they are all aware of the challenge that lies ahead against Real Madrid. The team has been through difficult moments before, and they know that they have the quality and determination to overcome any obstacles in their way. Silva’s comments reflect the mentality of the entire squad, which is focused on doing everything possible to make life difficult for their opponents and achieve success. The upcoming Champions League tie against Real Madrid will be a defining moment in City’s season, and the players are ready to give everything they have to make sure they come out on top.
