Pep Guardiola responds angrily to Jack Grealish suggestion despite transfer admission

England international Jack Grealish was left out of Manchester City’s squad for their Premier League finale against Fulham, and his future is in serious doubt at the Etihad

Pep Guardiola left Jack Grealish out of his squad for the final game of the season then hinted that the England winger could be on the move this summer. Manchester City boss Guardiola reacted angrily to suggestions that he is not happy with Grealish.

He insisted that his decision to leave Grealish at home was simple squad rotation. But Guardiola made it clear that the man he signed for a club record £100m in August 2021 needs games – whether that is under him or at another club.

He said: “I was with five, six players at home every time. And now this time I decide for this. No more than that. Of course, Jack has to play. That’s the truth.

“Jack and a number of players, I had to play football every three days. Three days, and it didn’t happen this season, 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, we’ll be fine and we’ll fight like he fought since he arrived on day one to make a contribution.”

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But when asked if was unhappy with Grealish, Guardiola reacted angrily, saying: “Don’t ask me about Jack. Who said I’m 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 last game and five players today because [Mateo] Kovacic got sent off. I treat Jack like I think of [Abdukodir] Khusanov, McAtee and all the players who have not been but you say I’m selecting we are in trouble? It’s not about that. I have 24 players, I have to get rid of five players because Kovacic was sent off in the last game.

“I’m thinking of Jack and Khusanov and McAtee. It’s nothing personal with Jack. I’m the person who fought for him to come here and the person who fought for him to stay here this season and the next season.

“I’m 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 finishing third felt like winning a title. He admitted he was relieved to seal Champions League football having feared his side would finish mid-table as losses to Arsenal and Liverpool early in the new year.

But he has been proud with how his side have come together since March to finish the season on an 11-game unbeaten run in the league.

Guardiola added: ” It is 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 have the feeling that this time you cannot win the Premier League or fight for the Premier League.

“People can say ‘I don’t want to fight again, just to qualify for the Europa League ‘. We continued playing good 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.”

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