Pep Guardiola told Jack Grealish to get back firing on all cylinders for next season during frank talks before Manchester City’s FA Cup final defeat.
The 28-year-old, who is sweating on selection in Gareth Southgate’s final England squad for the European Championship, has admitted that the season fell way short of his standards – starting just 10 league games.
Grealish is understood to have been dropped from City’s travelling team that beat Fulham in a must-win game earlier this month on their way to a fourth consecutive crown after disappointing displays in training. He featured for 91 minutes over the final seven games of their campaign, starting once.
Guardiola is believed to have held talks with the winger ahead of the Cup final against Manchester United, stressing he needs to count on him next season.
Pep Guardiola (right) held frank talks with Jack Grealish (left) over his form ahead of the FA Cup final last week
Guardiola told the winger (pictured) that he needs to step up his game next season
Grealish (right) and Guardiola (left) seemed in good spirits during Man City’s Premier League title parade
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Grealish has cut a frustrated figure in recent months and, after victory at Crystal Palace in April, said: ‘The manager has been so good with me.
‘I owe him a little bit and want to repay him now with my performances and the team as well.’
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The City boss has intermittently referenced Grealish’s application since last year’s Treble, while recognising that a significant leg injury sustained in September halted his progress.
Grealish also suffered distress after a burglary at his new Cheshire home during City’s victory at Everton over Christmas.
His family were inside the property when intruders broke in.
Mail Sport revealed that the former Aston Villa captain had rushed back after an injury in the New Year, a recurrence of a groin problem forcing him off in the first half of a comeback at Luton Town and setting him back a month.
Although his performances on the pitch have been solid, there is an acceptance that has not always been replicated on the training pitch.
Grealish has endured a difficult season, with a recurring groin problem seeing him miss several games this season
There are some doubts over whether Grealish will be picked as part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024 Gareth Southgate (right)
‘He will be back,’ Guardiola said at Wembley over the weekend. ‘He’s struggled this season because Jeremy (Doku) has made an incredible step forward as everyone has seen in the last games.
‘But Jack will be back at the level of last season – I’m pretty sure.’
