England International Jack Grealisk was omitted from the Manchester City team for their Premier League final against Fulham, and his future doubts seriously at Etihad
Pep Guardiola left Jack Grealish from his team for the last game of the season and hinted that the English winger could be moving this summer. Manchester City boss Guardiola reacted angry with suggestions that he is not happy with Grealish.
He insisted that his decision to leave Grealisk at home was a simple squadrotation. But Guardiola made it clear that the man he signed for a club record £ 100 million in August 2021 needs games – whether under him or at another club.
He said: “I was at home with five, six players every time. And now I decide this time for this. No more than that. Of course Jack has to play. That is the truth.
“Jack and a number of players, I had to play football every three days. Three days, and it also happened this season, not 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, it will be fine and we will fight as he fought since he arrived on the first day to make a contribution.”
But when he was asked if it was unhappy with Grealish, Guardiola reacted angry and said: “Don't ask me about Jack. Who said I am 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 the last match and five players today because [Mateo] Kovacic was sent. I treat Jack as I think of [Abdukodir] Khusanov, McATEE and all players who have not been, but you say I select that we are in trouble? That's not the point. I have 24 players, I have to get rid of five players because Kovacic was sent in the last game.
“I think of Jack and Khusanov and McATee. It's nothing personal with Jack. I am the person who fought for him to get here and the person who fought for him to stay here and the next season this season.
“I am 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 that the third was finished, felt like winning a title. He admitted that he was relieved to seal Champions League football because he feared that his side would end halfway through the table if losing for Arsenal and Liverpool asked in the new year.
But he has been proud of how his side has come together since March to end the season on an 11-game undefeated run in the competition.
Guardiola added: “It's 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 feel that you cannot win the Premier League this time or fight for the Premier League.
“People can say:” I don't want to fight anymore, just to qualify for the Europa League. “We kept playing well 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.”