Guardiola accepts Grealish could leave Man City after Fulham omission
An animated Pep Guardiola accepted Jack Grealish could leave Manchester City this summer after he was dropped for the club’s final match of the season.
Ilkay Gundogan’s stunning overhead kick and Erling Haaland’s second-half penalty fired City to a 2-0 win against Fulham and qualification for the Champions League after finishing third.
However, record signing Grealish did not travel to London for a fixture which Guardiola had previously described as the most important of City’s campaign.
“It was selection,” said Guardiola. “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, and that’s with us, or another place. And that’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.”
Guardiola Defends Grealish Amid Exit Speculation After Reduced Role
Jack Grealish, 29, who joined Manchester City from Aston Villa in 2021 for a British record £100 million, was instrumental in the club’s historic treble-winning season just two years ago. However, his role has significantly diminished, with only seven Premier League starts this season and no appearance in the FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace.
When questioned about his apparent dissatisfaction with Grealish, Pep Guardiola firmly rejected the idea.
“Who said I’m not happy with Jack?” he responded. “Rico Lewis wasn’t selected either. McAtee was exceptional against Aston Villa and Wolves—why not ask about McAtee?”
Guardiola emphasized the depth of City’s squad and the challenges of selection, noting that he had to leave out several players for recent matches due to limited spots.
“It’s not personal. I have 24 players. I had to leave out six last game and five today because of Kovacic’s red card.”
He also underlined his past support for Grealish, saying:
“I’m the person who fought for Jack to come here, and for him to stay. What happens next is up to Txiki, Hugo, and the agents.”
Despite recent omissions, Guardiola’s comments suggest that while he values Grealish, his future at the club remains uncertain.
