Guardiola challenges ‘street fighter’ Grealish

Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has attempted to discredit “street fighter” Jack Grealish.

England forward Grealish has been eased out of Guardiola’s first-choice line-up this season, even though City have struggled at times.

Savinho’s wide-body performance for Brazil has been one reason. With the arrival of 63 million-dollar arrival Omar Marmoush and the return of Norwegian Oscar Bobb from injury, there is even more competition for the former Aston Villa player.

Kevin de Bruyne scored the 79th-minute winner in Leyton Orient’s FA Cup victory on Saturday. Since winning in the previous round against League Two Salford, he has made his first start.

He has a good chance of starting for Tuesday’s sensational Champions League play-off first leg against Real Madrid.

“Jack has this sense of the street”, said Guardiola. “He is a player of the street.

” Today most of the players, for a manager, are academic – ‘ you have to do this or that’. Jack is a fighter. When people shout, he is present in the stadiums.

“The season is still in play, primarily because Savinho on the left side had an incredible connection with Erling (Haaland),” Savinho said.

One of the most expensive British players of all time is Grealish, who is worth an estimated £100 million. However, after playing a leading role in City’s 2022-23 Treble-winning campaign, the 29-year-old’s influence has waned.

Guardiola says Grealish shouldn’t be offended by the additional competition, and that he wants to see more of the performances he gave in the comeback win at Brisbane Road.

Players must understand that the competition in the locker room and on the field is more important than new contracts, he said.

” They have to feel they have to fight with Savinho and with (Jeremy) Doku. Phil (Foden) can play there as well. That is the point.

It ultimately depends on performance and the achievement of goals and assists.

Guardiola also says he hopes Nico Gonzalez will play for Real at the Etihad Stadium in the future.

The £50m deadline day signing from Porto was injured in the build-up to Leyton Orient’s stunning opener.