Pep Guardiola Breaks Silence on Leaving Jack Grealish Out of Man City Squad Against Fulham
Man City boss firmly denies any personal issue with Grealish, says squad decisions are purely tactical
Pep Guardiola has spoken out strongly after eyebrows were raised over Jack Grealish’s absence from the Manchester City squad during their Premier League clash against Fulham.
The England international was not included in the matchday squad, sparking rumours of tension or dissatisfaction from the City boss. But Guardiola was quick to shut down any such suggestions, making it clear that there’s no personal issue involved.
“It’s not anything personal, absolutely anything!” Guardiola said. “I’m the person who fought for him to come to Man City and I fought for him to stay here this season and the previous one. I’m the one who said, ‘I want Jack with me!’ Yes or yes.”
Grealish’s omission, according to the manager, was simply due to the difficulty of having to leave out players from his large and talented squad.
Guardiola also grew visibly frustrated when asked multiple questions about Grealish’s exclusion, urging reporters not to single out the 28-year-old.
“Don’t ask me about Jack, please,” he replied. “Who said I’m not happy with him? I said in my words I’m not happy with him?!”
He then pointed to other players who were also not selected: “Rico [Lewis], for me one of the favourite players I have, was not selected either. McAtee, who played very well against Aston Villa and Wolves, was not selected too. Why don’t you ask me about McAtee, for example?”
Guardiola stressed that with so many top players to choose from, some must always be left out on matchday – and this time it was Grealish. “I have to get rid of six players in the last game. Today five because [Mateo] Kovacic was sent off in the last game. Otherwise, I have six players at home!”
When asked about Grealish’s long-term future and his limited game time this season, Guardiola said that decision lies in the hands of the player, his agent, and the club.
“With us or another place… that is a question of Jack, his agent, and the club,” he added. “If he stays, it will be fine and we’ll fight, like we fought since he arrived on day one, to help him contribute.”
