Pep Guardiola claims Jack Grealish has ‘struggled’ as he makes Man City transfer admission

Pep Guardiola has backed Jack Grealish to bounce back after a difficult season at Manchester City.

The former Aston Villa star did not play a minute of City’s final four games of 2023/24 and started just one of the last seven matches. He was an unused substitute again in Saturday’s FA Cup final defeat, with Guardiola choosing to introduce Jeremy Doku and Julian Alvarez when City were in need of two late goals.

It’s been a difficult campaign for Grealish, who has struggled with injury concerns, suffered a drop in form after this treble-winning exploits, and has underwhelmed in terms of goal contributions. The 28-year-old has provided just three goals and three assists in 36 appearances.

It’s led to speculation Grealish could leave this summer, but Guardiola implied that won’t be the case. “He [Grealish] will be back,” the City boss said after losing to Manchester United at Wembley.  “He’s struggled this season Jeremy 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.”

While Guardiola indicated Grealish will stay, he admitted several players have to make decisions about their futures this summer. Ederson, Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne are among the City stars who have been linked with Etihad exits in the upcoming transfer window.

“I don’t know right now,” the Guardiola said when asked about the club’s summer plans in the market. “I know some players have to take a decision on whether they stay with us, some players might come.

“My sporting director says everything is fine for next year but right now I don’t know what might happen.

“I’m really pleased with the team, how they’ve behaved all season,” he added. “I could not say differently. It was nice to be in this final, unfortunately we lose. 

“People say every season we have to win trebles and doubles – we are good but we are not that good. We tried, we were there until the end. We lost a game because in finals a lot of things can happen in moments, mistakes, decisions and it can influence the game.”