‘He’s won games by himself’: Man City’s Jack Grealish hails Pep Guardiola as ‘match-winning’ manager

Jack Grealish has hailed Pep Guardiola as a ‘match-winning’ manager at Manchester City.

The England international was signed by the Sky Blues boss for £100m last summer, leaving boyhood club Aston Villa.

City face Atletico Madrid in their Champions League quarter-final second-leg on Wednesday evening and have a 1-0 aggregate advantage going into the game.

Speaking to the Champions Journal ahead of the clash, Grealish emphasised the impact Guardiola has on the team’s performances this season.

"He’s an unbelievable coach,” Grealish said.

“He’s just an addict to football. As soon as he steps foot in the building, everything’s just about football, everything’s just for the next game. I can’t speak highly enough of him.

"He’s a brilliant manager who helps the team so much. I’ve said at times this season that he’s won games by himself, with the way he’s set us up and the tactics he’s given us, and we’ve gone out there and done the job."

Grealish has been a key part of Guardiola’s plans this season, making 32 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals and assisting his teammates on three occasions.

His form is something that has come under criticism from fans and pundits, with Grealish admitting he wishes he would’ve found the net more at this stage of the campaign.

“You know, I’ve had my injuries this season,” he added.

“I don’t think it’s any secret to anyone that I’d love to have scored more and assisted more, but I feel like I’ve been playing well, even when I haven’t been scoring or assisting.”

The England international played mainly on the left-wing before his arrival at the Etihad Stadium, but has featured in multiple roles under Guardiola this campaign, including as a false-nine.

Guardiola has been in charge of the Sky Blues since 2016 and has guided them to 10 trophies during this time, including three Premier League titles.

City currently sit top of the league, one point ahead of Liverpool, with seven games remaining, while also reaching the semi-final of the FA Cup.