Jack Grealish (foto: Official TW/IG/FB account)
Jack Grealish has struggled to cement a consistent role at Manchester City this season, leading to mounting frustration with Pep Guardiola, as revealed by England manager Thomas Tuchel.
Grealish has battled injuries throughout the campaign, but even when fit, he has rarely been given an extended run in City’s starting XI. Since September, the 29-year-old has only started back-to-back matches once, with the second ending in injury against Real Madrid.
Tuchel, who left Grealish out of his first England squad, insists the omission was purely down to lack of match rhythm, not a reflection of the player's quality.
"I love Jack," Tuchel said. "I love everything about him—his personality, his quality. He has courage, he can take the heat, and he’s not afraid of the Bernabéu whistles. If anything, it only makes him better."
However, Tuchel acknowledged Grealish’s concerns about his limited role at City.
"Listen Thomas," Grealish reportedly told him, "I'm not a start-stop player. It is so hard for me to influence a match from the bench and then be on the bench again, and then two weeks later I start again."
Tuchel sympathized, stating that Grealish "gets better with every minute" but ultimately opted for Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford due to their greater playing time.
Guardiola, meanwhile, has been blunt about Grealish’s limited minutes, previously saying, "Savinho is in better shape and everything than Jack." Yet, when asked about the winger’s England exclusion, he took a more supportive stance: "I want the best for him, I want his best on and off the pitch. I cannot judge the England national manager."
Grealish’s situation at City remains uncertain, with his lack of consistent starts potentially affecting his role in England’s squad for the upcoming major tournaments.