Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, has emphasized the importance of midfielder Jack Grealish quickly finding his rhythm upon returning from injury to secure a spot in the Premier League club’s starting line-up. Grealish played a crucial role in City’s treble-winning campaign last season, but his performances have been below par this season, with three goals in 26 games in all competitions.
The England international sustained a groin injury in a Champions League victory over FC Copenhagen earlier this month and was left on the bench in City’s recent 1-0 win over Bournemouth. Guardiola addressed Grealish’s situation in a press conference ahead of City’s FA Cup fifth-round clash against Luton Town.
“He is the same player, he has the same manager, and the way we play has not changed,” Guardiola remarked. “It’s just the way he has performed. That’s the difference. I said from day one, we need him. He has a special quality for our team. But it depends on him. Hopefully, he can do a good last three months.”
Guardiola emphasized that injured players must quickly find their form to secure a place in the team, stating, “At a high level, the team don’t wait to be fit. You cannot give someone three or four games to be fit. What about the 10 who don’t play? They deserve not to play? You have to see the training sessions and all the small details. The players don’t have to convince me. They have to convince themselves that they deserve to play.”
Manchester City is set to face Luton in the FA Cup on Tuesday before hosting Manchester United in a crucial league clash on Sunday. Grealish’s swift return to form is anticipated as City aims to maintain its competitive edge in various competitions.
