Posted: 22:31, September 16, 2022 | Updated: 23:07, 16 September 2022
Pep Guardiola launched an impassioned defense of Jack Grealish’s performances for Manchester City on Friday. Grealish has been the subject of constant criticism since becoming the most expensive British player in history when he arrived from Aston Villa for £100m last season. That was reinforced in midweek when the England international was substituted as City lost to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League before a dramatic turnaround. But Guardiola has come out fighting for the 27-year-old ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Wolves, insisting Grealish was isolated from his team-mates at the Etihad on Wednesday night. Manager Pep Guardiola insists he has full faith in his record £100m signing Jack Grealish The City manager also believes an ankle problem picked up last month has slowed the forward’s progress during an impressive pre-season tour of the United States. “I know him and I’m more than happy with what he’s doing,” Guardiola said. “Now it’s just a matter of time before he returns to some of his early season potential. “We were lucky the injury wasn’t worse. In the last game, he was the only forward making aggressive one-on-one runs. But to assist, he didn’t have his teammates in the box, so we left him isolated. “When he went against the full-back, only Erling (Haaland) was there. (Ilkay) Gundogan wasn’t there, Kevin (De Bruyne) wasn’t there and he should have been. In the first half we didn’t make moves to help the players who had the ball and give him possibilities to make it easier.’ Grealish has three goals and three assists in 28 Premier League appearances since joining Guardiola’s side and the fact that his numbers are not higher – and significantly lower than Riyad Mahrez – is a source of criticism. At Villa, he was the main attacking star and talisman, scoring 32 goals in his last 62 Premier League games across two campaigns. “We didn’t sign him for the incredible goals or assists,” Guardiola added. “It was another reason and when he plays he does. I want (him) to score goals and I want assists and he does that too. But it’s not about that, it’s about his contribution without the ball and what he can produce for others and the many, many things he can do. “He’s such a nice guy and in the games he wasn’t playing, he’s the first to help the team and in training he’s always there.” Guardiola believes ankle injury has hampered Grealish’s start to record-breaking season Grealish – who is fighting for a starting place in Gareth Southgate’s England World Cup squad – has always remained aware of public perception of his performances. In the past he has spoken of his desire to improve his figures, remarks that are usually made in the background of media discussions. Guardiola told him to forget the outside noise. “All the time we’re asking players to be themselves, don’t think about what the world expects you to be,” he said. “Maybe some players listen and it gives them courage to be better and they need to know how what is written or what they hear affects them. “(But) I always tell them, ‘You know exactly how you played and what we were looking for. Did they (the experts) know the plan? They don’t know it, but you do, so you don’t have to listen to what people say.” “You know, and each of us knows, if you did your best on this particular day. Some players say, “I played bad,” but then their friends or the media say they played well, and then they’re happy. There is no point in it. You know right after the game how you did, and that’s the most important thing.’ Grealish should avoid outside noise for the England squad, according to Guardiola’s advice Julian Alvarez entered the fray as Grealish came off against Dortmund and impressed with added energy on the right. Signed from River Plate for £14m, the striker has had to remain patient for opportunities. “I know all the highlights are from Erling Haaland, I understand that with his numbers, but I said during the pre-season in the United States – this guy (Alvarez) is really good,” Guardiola said. “It helped us increase our intensity. In training we saw how clinical, fast and intelligent he is in those moments. We need him in the center. These guys must be close to the target.’
