Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has called on Jack Grealish to rediscover the form that made him instrumental in the club’s historic Treble-winning campaign in 2023.
The England international, who has struggled for consistent starting opportunities this season, played only six minutes in City’s 4-1 Premier League victory over West Ham United on Sunday. Grealish came off the bench late in the match, with Brazilian forward Savinho, a summer signing, starting ahead of him and contributing two assists for Erling Haaland’s goals.
Guardiola stressed the need for Grealish to fight for his place, pointing to Savinho’s form as the current standard.
“Savinho is in better shape and everything than Jack, and that’s why I played Savinho [against West Ham],” Guardiola said. “Do I want the Jack that won the Treble? Yeah, I want it, but they have to fight. You can say it’s unfair, but you have to prove it every day, every week, every month.”
Since joining City for £100m from Aston Villa in 2021, Grealish has won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, and the FA Cup. However, his form this season has been inconsistent, mirroring City’s struggles, including a streak of nine defeats in 13 games before Christmas.
Guardiola remains confident in Grealish’s abilities and vowed to help him regain his best form.
“I fought a lot for him to be here. I know that he can do it because I saw his level,” Guardiola added. “He needs rhythm, training, and matches. I don’t doubt his quality, but it’s about showing that every session and every game.”
