Ahead of Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup final, Pep Guardiola had an important chat with Jack Grealish.
Despite often being trusted to start in the big games during his spell at Manchester City, Jack Grealish was benched in the clash.
On Tuesday, it was reported that City could look to part ways with the Englishman in the summer transfer window.
What Pep Guardiola told Jack Grealish before the FA Cup final
As per a report by The Athletic journalist Sam Lee, Pep Guardiola had a talk with Jack Grealish, telling him to return to his best next season, both on and off the pitch before the FA Cup final.
The report claims that sources close to City’s number 10 believes his season was a “write-off” due to various reasons; injuries, off-field problems and a struggle to remain motivated after winning the treble.
Guardiola and Grealish are believed to have several such conversations about his mood and form.
Pep Guardiola knew his Manchester City players would suffer a decline in motivation due to winning the treble.
But the former Aston Villa perhaps needed more attention as he suffered a drop-off in this regard throughout the campaign.
Furthermore, it is believed that Grealish suffered due to the break-in that occurred at his house when his partner and family were present.
It is claimed that the incident had a psychological impact on the three-time Premier League winner for a month where he was quite distracted.
In addition, Grealish suffered several injury problems, as the report states he rushed back in an effort to regain his place in the City side against Luton Town in the FA Cup.
Guardiola also felt the decorated attacker was not taking care of himself in the best way possible, often going out with his friends.
But even in training, the Champions League winner was not at his best.
It has been claimed that Pep Guardiola has informed Jack Grealish about his concerns on several instances during the 2023/2024 campaign.
The report states that the Sky Blues players were given three days to rest between their games against Wolves and Fulham.
When the players returned to training, Pep Guardiola felt the Englishman’s efforts did not even come close to meeting the required standards.
As a result, the Catalan left Grealish out of his matchday squad to face Fulham as he did not even register in his side’s final four league games. Publicly, Guardiola claimed the 28-year-old was ruled out due to illness.
Often, Pep Guardiola is believed to have been “frustrated” and “furious” with Jack Grealish but he appreciates him as a player and as a character at his best.
An exit from Manchester City is not believed to be on the cards for Grealish, partly because of how much he would cost.