Pep Guardiola has urged Jack Grealish to rediscover the form he showed during Manchester City's treble-winning season and fight for his starting place.
Grealish made 50 appearances in the 2022/2023 season to help City win the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League. He scored five goals and registered eleven assists.
However, he has since struggled to reach the highs of that campaign. This season he has made just six of his 14 Premier League appearances and provided just one assist in the competition.
He was also named on the bench for City's 4-1 win over West Ham on Saturday. He came into action in the 84th minute, with Savinho starting, and assisted on both of Erling Haaland's goals.
“Savinho is in better shape and everything than Jack, and that's why I played against Savinho [against West Ham].
“Do I want the Jack who won the Treble? Yes, I do, but I try to be honest with myself about that.
“They have to fight. You can say it's unfair. Okay, if that's what you think, then that's fine, but you have to prove [to me]'Okay, I'm going to fight with Savinho, to deserve to play in that position', every day, every week and every month.”
Grealish has also struggled with injuries this season, limiting his playing time.
In his fourteen Premier League appearances, Grealish created 22 chances but managed just thirteen times without scoring.
In fact, it has been more than a year since he last scored for City and last hit the net against Crystal Palace in December 2023.
“Two weeks ago Jack got injured and he needs rhythm and play, but players need training,” Guardiola added.
“I have no doubt about the quality of Jack or any of these players. But they have to be at your best now.
“I fought a lot for him, fought a lot to be here. I know he can do it because I have seen him. I have seen his level and I want that, every training and every match.”
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