Pep Guardiola is not one to regularly fall out with his players at Manchester City – although there have been instances of this happening.
The Spaniard memorably fell out with Joao Cancelo after opting to promote Rico Lewis as competition for the Portugal international – who was swiftly offloaded after making his feelings known.
At the time, the Manchester City boss was disappointed by the “attitude” shown by the defender – according to the Guardian.
The man born in Santpedor is now risking a similar situation with Matheus Nunes, after saying the Manchester City No.27 is not “clever” enough to play in midfield.
It remains to be seen how the Portugal international reacts to those brutal comments, but in the meantime, Shay Given believes something has happened between Pep Guardiola and Jack Grealish.
Shay Given wants Jack Grealish to replace Kevin De Bruyne – but doubts it will happen
Speaking to the BBC, the Irishman said: “With (Kevin) De Bruyne leaving, I would love to see Guardiola build the team around Grealish playing in a central role and dominating games, but it looks like the writing is on the wall for him to go as well.
“For whatever reason, it appears they are not getting on, so it does not look good for Jack. He comes in, plays a game or two and then is back out again, no matter how well he does.
“I’m not just a fan of his, I am his ex-teammate and friend. It’s frustrating to see him being treated this way, because I know he has got so much more to offer the team. He just doesn’t get the opportunities, and that is the manager’s decision.”
Given – who made 69 appearances for Manchester City – may have a point, as the England international is being treated quite strangely by Guardiola.
Grealish, who Declan Rice called a “special” player, scored in the 2-0 win over Leicester on Wednesday after just two minutes, but was then given only 16 minutes of action in the Manchester derby on Sunday, on a day where it was apparent the midfield trio of De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva was not working well whatsoever.
Manchester City want to sell Jack Grealish
Potentially, Guardiola is making sure his £100m man avoids a serious injury ahead of the summer transfer window.
Sky Sports are reporting that Manchester City have put Grealish up for sale ahead of a summer rebuild under Hugo Viana, who is replacing Txiki Begiristain as Director of Football at the Etihad Stadium.
If Manchester City fail to offload the 29-year-old this summer, he will only have 12 months remaining on his contract in June 2026, where his value would have decreased significantly.
Therefore, selling Grealish – who Troy Deeney can see joining Tottenham – this summer is imperative, if that is what Manchester City hope to do.
