Jack Grealish’s struggles at Manchester City have raised questions about what has gone wrong for the talented winger since his big-money move from Aston Villa in 2021. After joining City for a British-record transfer fee, Grealish was expected to quickly become a key player under Pep Guardiola, but his performances have often been inconsistent, leaving fans and pundits wondering why he hasn’t fully lived up to expectations.
1. Adjusting to Guardiola’s System
One of the main challenges Grealish has faced at City is adapting to Guardiola’s highly tactical system. At Aston Villa, Grealish had the freedom to be the creative focal point of the team, often drifting across the pitch and dictating play. However, at City, Guardiola demands strict positional discipline, which has limited Grealish’s natural flair and improvisation. The structured nature of City’s attack means Grealish has had to rein in his individualistic style, which has affected his ability to influence games in the same way.
2. Competition for Places
Manchester City’s squad is packed with world-class talent, and Grealish is competing for a starting spot with the likes of Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez, and others. This intense competition means Grealish is not always a guaranteed starter, which can affect his rhythm and confidence. Unlike at Villa, where he was the undisputed star, at City he has had to adapt to being part of a rotation system.
3. Confidence and Expectations
The weight of expectation following his £100 million transfer fee has also played a role in Grealish’s struggles. The pressure to deliver immediate results at a club like City can be overwhelming, and Grealish has admitted that the scrutiny has affected his confidence at times. This pressure, combined with the challenges of adapting to a new team, has perhaps prevented him from playing with the same freedom that made him a star at Villa.
While Grealish has shown glimpses of his talent, his full integration into Guardiola’s system is still a work in progress. Given time and patience, he could still become a pivotal player for Manchester City.
