Jack Grealish could be in line for a new role at Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola suggesting a potential move to central midfield following the club’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield.
Since his £100 million move from Aston Villa in 2021, Grealish has had a mixed spell at City. While he’s collected silverware—including the historic 2023 treble of Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League—there’s ongoing debate about whether he’s truly fulfilled his potential, often playing wide on the left.
Guardiola, however, has recently hinted at a tactical shake-up as City seek fresh ideas amid a challenging run of form. In a post-match interview, the manager praised his players for adapting to unfamiliar roles and hinted Grealish could soon be deployed centrally.
“Jack in the middle—I’m thinking he can help us to have that control or even that vision to the final third,” Guardiola said. “As our weaknesses improve and we win games, our physical condition will be better, and we will be a better team. Hopefully, it can happen.”
Guardiola also highlighted the adaptability of other players, including Bernardo Silva, Manuel Akanji, and Rico Lewis, who were all tasked with atypical responsibilities in the midfield battle against Liverpool’s dynamic unit.
“I just can say thank you to Bernardo, to Manu, to Rico—for playing in positions they’re not used to, against players like Gravenberch, Mac Allister, and Szoboszlai,” Guardiola added. “They made an incredible effort.”
With Kevin De Bruyne’s return bringing rhythm and composure, Guardiola is now seemingly looking to Grealish to add further control and creativity in central areas.
City face Nottingham Forest next in the Premier League, and all eyes will be on whether this signals a new chapter for Grealish in Guardiola’s system.
