In a recent press conference, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola addressed Jack Grealish’s limited playing time, offering an apology to the England international.
Guardiola clarified that the decision is “not personal,” but instead a result of the outstanding performances from teammates Savinho and Jeremy Doku.
Grealish, a key figure in City’s treble-winning 2022-23 season, has seen his minutes decrease this year, playing only 604 Premier League minutes so far, with two goals and four assists in 22 appearances.
Guardiola recognized Grealish’s contributions, admitting, “He doesn’t get the minutes he deserves,” but explained that Savinho and Doku’s recent form has created a unique attacking dynamic, making it difficult to change the current lineup.
Savinho, in particular, has impressed with his dynamic play on the left, leading some to believe he could secure the starting position.
Despite this, Guardiola assured Grealish that the door remains open for him, encouraging all players to show their quality in training and matches. He reiterated that selection is based on form and the team’s needs.
As City navigates a busy season, Guardiola’s comments highlight the competitive nature of the squad, with the goal of maintaining high performance across all competitions.
