Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has publicly apologized to Jack Grealish for the midfielder’s limited playing time this season, a situation that has contributed to Grealish’s omission from Thomas Tuchel’s inaugural England squad.
Man City Boss Guardiola Feels ‘Sorry’ for Grealish After England Exclusion
Grealish, who joined City in 2021 for a British record £100 million, has struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup.
He has not started a Premier League match since December 21, 2024, in a 2-1 loss to his former club, Aston Villa.
This lack of game time has impacted his form and rhythm, leading to his exclusion from the national team.
Guardiola addressed the issue, expressing his regret over Grealish’s situation: “I feel so sorry for all of the players who don’t play.
When we have games every three days, it’s easy for the rotation, but now I have to decide every game for the quality they have.”
The competition for places in the City squad has intensified, with players like Jeremy Doku and Savinho delivering standout performances.
Guardiola highlighted Doku’s recent form, stating, “Jeremy Doku was outstanding, the way he got the ball to the byline so many times.”
This high level of competition has made it challenging for Grealish to regain his spot.
New England manager Thomas Tuchel, who announced his first squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, left Grealish out, citing his lack of minutes at the club level as a significant factor.
Tuchel emphasized the importance of players being in rhythm and match-fit to represent the national team effectively.
Despite the current challenges, Guardiola reaffirmed his belief in Grealish’s abilities and professionalism.
He acknowledged the difficulty of his selection decisions and the impact they have on players’ careers, especially with international considerations at stake.
Grealish’s situation underscores the intense competition within top-tier football clubs and the delicate balance managers must maintain to keep all players engaged and match-ready.
As the season progresses, opportunities may arise for Grealish to reclaim his place both at the club and international levels.
