Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has urged Jack Grealish to rediscover his form from the 2022/23 season when the team secured the treble. Grealish, a £100 million signing from Aston Villa, has struggled for playing time this season. Savinho, a 20-year-old summer signing from Troyes, has been preferred, delivering one goal and eight assists across 25 appearances in all competitions.
Savinho contributed to a 4-1 win against West Ham and scored in a 2-0 victory over Leicester City. Grealish, on the other hand, has played 19 games with only two assists. He was an unused substitute against Leicester and played only six minutes against West Ham.
Guardiola explained that Savinho’s performances have earned him a spot over Grealish. “Savinho is in better shape right now,” Guardiola said. “Jack needs to compete. I want the Jack who won the treble, but he has to prove he deserves his place every day, every week, and every month.”
Grealish, who has won three Premier League titles, a Champions League, and an FA Cup since joining City, has been challenged by Guardiola to repay the faith shown in him. “I fought hard for him to be here,” Guardiola said. “I’ve seen his level, and I want that again in every training session and every game. If not, Savinho deserves to play because he delivers.”
City have recently improved after a difficult period with nine defeats in 13 games. They now sit sixth in the league, two points behind Chelsea and 12 points off leaders Liverpool. City will face Salford City in the FA Cup, Brentford in the Premier League, and Ipswich Town before a Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain on January 22.
