Pep Guardiola has suggested one of his players has returned to pre-season in a ‘perfect’ way.
City have just flown out to the US and are ready to get their pre-season kickstarted.
At the moment, there are still a number of players missing following their exploits at international tournaments.
Those who went deep at Euro 2024 and the Copa America will be joining up with the squad later in the summer.
For now, the focus for the manager is on those out in the US, and late last night, the City manager gave some of his thoughts to the media – and gave an encouraging verdict, one a player who came in for some criticism last season.
Pep Guardiola says Jack Grealish is in a ‘perfect’ way after returning to Man City pre-season
Last season was not a good one for Jack Grealish.
After playing a hugely important role in the club’s Treble-winning season, Grealish just couldn’t get his 2023/24 season going due to a number of factors.
The signing of Jeremy Doku certainly put pressure on him. Fans took to the Belgian immediately due to his exciting style, and Doku also made a good impression on the manager.
Grealish then suffered injury problems which were arguably the biggest issue for him.
He was limited to just 36 appearances.
Potentially, 2024/25 could be a make-or-break season for Grealish – but the player looks like he is ready to give himself the best chance.
Guardiola said in a press conference last night (via Hayters TV): “He’s really good, I think he’s come back perfect and with the same happiness and same unbelievable attitude with the Man City group and hopefully he can do a good season, to push his mates, to deserve a place in the team…”
“To play as regularly like it happened two seasons ago. Absolutely it depends on him. All the players it depends on them, not on my decisions…”
Very encouraging remarks
It is really encouraging to hear Guardiola talk like this about Grealish, who undoubtedly had a tough season in 2023/24.
It has been clear that Grealish is ready to put his recent disappointments behind him. The player returned early for pre-season, and has been trying to lay the foundations for a good 2024/25.
Missing out on the Euros squad will have certainly stung.
He knows that there are some question marks over him after three years and now, the club have just added another winger who could be competition for him in the form of Savinho.
Hopefully, he is able to really catch the eye in pre-season and start the season in the best possible way.
