Pep Guardiola sends brutal warning to Jack Grealish amid Spurs rumours.
Pep Guardiola has just sent a brutal message to Jack Grealish about his lack of game time this season as rumours continue to circulate linking the attacking midfielder with a switch to Tottenham.
Spurs backed to back ambitious Jack Grealish move
Grealish has not been handed too many opportunities at Manchester City this season even though the Premier League champions have not been at their best.
This has led to speculation that the 29-year-old might leave the Etihad this month, with various outlets suggesting that Tottenham are ready to pounce should Grealish become available.
However, a few journalists have pointed out that the midfielder’s £300,000-per-week salary would be a huge stumbling block for Spurs. As such, the Lilywhites would only be able to sign the England international on loan, provided City cover a portion of his wages.
Pep Guardiola’s stern warning to Grealish
Guardiola has now told Grealish that he has to improve his level in training if he is to get opportunities to play. The City boss insisted that Savinho deserves to start over the former Aston Villa man at the moment and that the onus is on the rumoured Spurs target to force himself back into the side.
When asked about Grealish, Guardiola said (via Football.London): “I fought a lot for him, fought a lot to be here – to say ‘come on, do it again, do it again. I saw him, I saw your level and I want that, every single training session and every single game. If not, Savinho.
“Does anyone think Savinho doesn’t deserve to play? No. He deserves [it]. That’s why I play him because he produces. As much as he looks at himself, he will see the competition and he has to compete, himself.
“Savinho is in better shape and everything than Jack and that’s why I played Savinho. I want the Jack that won the treble? Yeah. I want it. But I try to be honest with myself for that.
“What happened with Savinho’s delivery in the box? It’s higher than the other wingers in that position. And they have to fight. You have to prove ‘OK, I’m going to fight with Savinho, to deserve to play in that position’. And every single day, and every single week and every single month.
“Two weeks ago, Jack was injured and he needs rhythm and to play but players need training. I don’t have any doubt about the quality of Jack or any of these players.
“But they have to, right now, today at 3 pm, be at your best. It’s not about what they have done or will do, it’s about 3 pm. The one hour 30 minutes, or one hour, 45 minutes, we’re going to play, the responsibility belongs to the players, not to me.”
Guardiola’s Jack Grealish statement may be bad news for Spurs
It sounds like Guardiola is challenging Grealish to prove himself, which suggests that the Spanish coach believes that the England man can still be a huge asset to his side when he is at his best.
If the City boss had decided to move him on, there is no reason for him to make this passionate plea publicly. It seems like Grealish is still very much part of City’s plans.
