Pep Guardiola has been open about Jack Grealish’s future following the team’s dissapointing season. Grealish has reportedly been offered to Newcastle ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window and the England player was recently seen on Tyneside enjoying a night out. Grealish was open to moving to Newcastle this summer due to his lack of game time this year. In 20 Premier League appearances this season, the 29-year-old covered just 715 minutes and managed to assist a goal once. Grealsih has endured difficulties at City and was not included even as a substitute in the win over Fulham on the last Premier League matchday.
Guardiola Explains Grealish Omission As Tactical Choice, Not Personal
“It was selection,” Guardiola told our sister title The Manchester Evening News. “The last two months, month and a half, there were five or six players at home every time and this time I decided for these guys. No more than that,” he said.
“Of course Jack has to play. He’s an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days. It didn’t happen this season and last season either.
“He needs to do it – with us or another place. It’s a question for Jack, his agent, and the club.
“If he stays it will be fine and he fought like he fought from day one to make a contribution but not today. For example the FA Cup final I rotated and Rico and Macca were not there and Khusanov and Vitor and Echeverri were here so it’s the same. I tried to move the players like it was there and today it was Jack, no more than that.”
Guardiola Denies Rift With Grealish Amid Selection Questions
“Don’t ask me about Jack. Who said I’m not happy with Jack? Rico was not selected, McAtee was exceptional against Aston Villa and Wolves – why not ask me about McAtee? It’s not personal,” he said.
“I have 24 players, I have to get rid of six players last game and five players today because Kovacic got sent off.
“I treat Jack like I think of 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.
Squad Depth, Not Discontent, Behind Grealish’s Omission Says Guardiola
“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 last 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, Hugo and the agents.”
Also Read: Premier League: Fulham’s Missed Opportunities Hand Man City Comfortable 2-0 Win
