England international Jack Grealish was left out of Manchester City's squad for their Premier League finale against Fulham, and his future is in serious doubt at the Etihad
Pep Guardiola left Jack Grealish out of his squad for the final game of the season then hinted that the England winger could be on the move this summer. Manchester City boss Guardiola reacted angrily to suggestions that he is not happy with Grealish.
He insisted that his decision to leave Grealish at home was simple squad rotation. But Guardiola made it clear that the man he signed for a club record £100m in August 2021 needs games - whether that is under him or at another club.
He said: "I was with five, six players at home every time. And now this time I decide for this. No more than that. Of course, Jack has to play. That's the truth.
"Jack and a number of players, I had to play football every three days. Three days, and it didn't happen this season, that season either. They have to do that with us or another place.
"But that is a question for Jack and the club. If he stays, we'll be fine and we'll fight like he fought since he arrived on day one to make a contribution."
But when asked if was unhappy with Grealish, Guardiola reacted angrily, saying: "Don't ask me about Jack. Who said I'm not happy with Jack? Rico [Lewis] was not selected, [James] McAtee was exceptional against Aston Villa and Wolves - why not ask me about McAtee? It's not personal.
"I have 24 players, I had to get rid of six players last game and five players today because [Mateo] Kovacic got sent off. I treat Jack like I think of [Abdukodir] Khusanov, McAtee and all the players who have not been but you say I'm selecting we are in trouble? It's not about that. I have 24 players, I have to get rid of five players because Kovacic was sent off in the last game.
"I'm thinking of Jack and Khusanov and McAtee. It's nothing personal with Jack. I'm the person who fought for him to come here and the person who fought for him to stay here this season and the next season.
"I'm the one who said I want Jack Grealish. Now he didn't come because he didn't come, but not something else. What happens in the future is a job for Txiki [Begiristain], Hugo and the agents."
Guardiola claimed finishing third felt like winning a title. He admitted he was relieved to seal Champions League football having feared his side would finish mid-table as losses to Arsenal and Liverpool early in the new year.
But he has been proud with how his side have come together since March to finish the season on an 11-game unbeaten run in the league.
Guardiola added: " It is a relief. "Qualification for the Champions League is like winning a title, it's a fact. I know perfectly when you are in January, February, and you have the feeling that this time you cannot win the Premier League or fight for the Premier League.
"People can say 'I don't want to fight again, just to qualify for the Europa League '. We continued playing good and we were there [in position to seal Champions League qualification] and we did it.
"At the end we finished third, not miles away from Arsenal, but the distance to Liverpool is huge. We have to improve and hopefully we can do it."
Dante101
0
based on pep response grealish should just leave cause if u cant use 24 players reasonably then u are picking favourites and pep is shifting blame and makeing excusses
Allfootball1995
0
Pep has given enough chances to Grealish but he failed. It's time to let him go and get his replacement
PererNBreezy
0
Here we go; see ! Pep , is da biggest jock. Thinking himself a God. Jack Grealish should cross carpet to their city rivals. He (Grealish) can show case his talent & be love
You waste him like you did to Anthony
Vepbeintu
1
you were poor this season Pep,forget any explanations..with the players you have you should win at least a title. You gifted Crystal Palace that FACup with the way you played in the 2nd half and your style is a blue print perfected by the opposition managers..so your ideas are available everywhere now.. So, coming season bring new approach to your game emphasize solid defending!! Replace or retrain your full backs them about marking fast strikers that run alot...in the preseason .. Sure you can do far better if you change your tactics coming season. C'mon City !!!💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
Fecdemost
1
Having the most expensive squad does not guarantee anything.
Vukelnrst
0
nonsense response you just done with baller full stop
so why did pep buy him or concede to his being bought
Judbelprst
1
Here we go; see ! Pep , is da biggest jock. Thinking himself a God. Jack Grealish should cross carpet to their city rivals. He (Grealish) can show case his talent & be love
shut up
Given77
5
These journalist, they like cooking fire where it is not necessary....Stop this nonsense..
Veuemst
3
Grealish is an unintelligent footballer . Pep plays intelligent football.
fosbcklnru
1
nonsense response you just done with baller full stop
Repcdepr
1
Here we go; see ! Pep , is da biggest jock. Thinking himself a God. Jack Grealish should cross carpet to their city rivals. He (Grealish) can show case his talent & be love
Chafoh
5
Arsene Wenger used to say qualification for the Champions League is like winning a title, but he was laughed at including people like Jose Morinho. As things took a turn, Morinho found himself at Tottenham Hotspur where winning titles is unheard of, suddenly Morinho made a true confession - that qualifying for the CL is like winning a title. Now here we are: Pep Guardiola of all people, following Man City's narrow escape this season, confessed that qualifying for the UCL is like winning the title. Noboby argues that anymore.
Shmonny
2
One of his most difficult seasons as manager of Manchester City, one filled with injuries and inconsistency, yet he's led his side to a third place finish in the league and a full transfer window ahead. Ladies and gentlemen, Pep Guardiola 🤝