Pep Guardiola acknowledges that Jack Grealish has deserved more playing time for Manchester City this season and insists he has no personal issue with the England winger.
Despite City’s struggles with injuries and inconsistent performances, the 29-year-old has remained on the fringes, with Jeremy Doku and Savinho preferred in wide midfield roles.
Grealish is expected to feature in the FA Cup fourth-round clash against Leyton Orient tomorrow as City look to recover from their heavy 5-1 defeat to Arsenal last Sunday.
When asked about Grealish, Guardiola stated: “I’m so sorry some players don’t get the minutes they may deserve, but ultimately, the contributions from Jeremy [Doku] and Savinho have been massive this season. That’s the only reason. It’s not personal, it’s not that I don’t like Jack, or that I lack confidence in him.
“A manager must sometimes choose one player over another, not because they dislike someone but because another player is performing better at a given moment. That’s all there is to it.
“Of course, I make mistakes. Maybe Jack should have played more, and maybe others should have played less. But this is my world, my life, and decisions have to be made.”
Leyton Orient to pose a challenge
Guardiola anticipates a tough challenge against League One side Leyton Orient and is not expecting an easy match at Brisbane Road.
“Yeah, of course [they will be difficult],” he said. “We’ve always faced difficulties away from home in this competition—FA Cup or Carabao Cup—against teams from the Championship, League One, or even League Two.
“We always struggle. But we are ready for the challenge. Every game presents a new opportunity.”
Guardiola pleased with Gonzalez signing
Deadline-day acquisition Nico Gonzalez could make his City debut following his move from Porto, and Guardiola is delighted to have him in the squad.
“It’s a position where we were lacking depth after Rodri’s absence,” Guardiola noted. “He’s a young player, 23 years old, capable of playing as a number six or eight, operating more in the pockets. He has great physicality—he’s a strong young player.
“I know him from his time at Barcelona’s academy, and his father worked here too. I’m really pleased with the club’s efforts to bring him in for the coming years.”
