Pep Guardiola has called on Jack Grealish to recapture the form that contributed significantly to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning campaign in the 2022-23 season. Grealish played a crucial role during that season, featuring in 50 matches across all competitions, contributing five goals and 11 assists as City secured the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League trophies. However, his performance this season has been notably below those high standards, prompting Guardiola to urge him to rediscover his best form.
Grealish has faced several challenges this season. Despite being a key player in City's treble-winning side, he has struggled to maintain consistency in his performances. Of the 14 Premier League matches he has featured in, Grealish has started only six, providing just one assist. His attacking output has significantly dropped, and he has yet to score a goal, with his last strike coming against Crystal Palace in December 2023. These struggles were reflected in his limited role in City’s recent 4-1 victory over West Ham, where he remained on the bench until the 84th minute. In that match, young Brazilian Savinho was given a starting spot, and he made an immediate impact, assisting both of Erling Haaland’s goals, further highlighting the competition for Grealish's place in the team.
After the match, Guardiola made it clear that he wanted to see the same Grealish who helped lead City to success last season. He stated, “Savinho is in better shape and everything than Jack, and that’s why I played Savinho [against West Ham]. Do I want the Jack that won the Treble? Yeah, I want it, but I try to be honest with myself for that.” Guardiola’s words suggest that Grealish must improve his fitness and overall form to reclaim his spot in the starting lineup, as the competition for places at City remains fierce.
Grealish’s season has been further hampered by injuries, which have restricted his playing time and match rhythm. Guardiola acknowledged this challenge, stating, “Two weeks ago, Jack was injured, and he needs rhythm and to play but players need training.” Despite these setbacks, Guardiola emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards, both in training and matches, to be ready when called upon. Grealish’s inability to consistently find his rhythm has led to frustrations, both for him and his manager, but Guardiola remains supportive, expressing belief in the player’s quality and potential.
Grealish’s struggles this season have been in contrast to his excellent contributions during the treble-winning campaign. In that season, his ability to create chances, make key passes, and link up play was vital to City’s success. His performances were characterized by excellent dribbling, vision, and work ethic, which helped him become one of Guardiola’s trusted players. Guardiola has always been a strong advocate for Grealish, having fought hard to bring him to the club from Aston Villa in 2021 for a British record £100 million fee. That belief remains, as Guardiola stated, “I don’t have any doubt about the quality of Jack or any of these players. I fought a lot for him, fought a lot to be here. I know that he can do it because I saw him. I saw his level and I want that, every single training session and every single game.”
Guardiola’s words serve as both a reminder and a challenge to Grealish: to live up to the potential that the manager has always seen in him. While the season has been difficult, Guardiola remains confident that Grealish can regain his best form with hard work, focus, and determination. The manager’s message is clear—Grealish has the talent, but it is up to him to put in the effort to show it consistently.
The challenge for Grealish now is to find that spark that made him a key figure in City’s success last season. With Savinho impressing in recent matches, the pressure is on for Grealish to respond and prove he can earn back his starting spot in the team. Guardiola’s focus on competition within the squad reflects the high standards at Manchester City, where every player is expected to be at their best at all times. As the season progresses, Grealish will need to work hard to prove his worth and contribute to the team’s ongoing success, both domestically and in Europe.
