Pep Guardiola admits that Jack Grealish was worth playing more for Manchester City this season and insists he has no personal grudge against the England wing.
Despite the era of relegation and a long list of injuries included by Grealish, the 29 -year -old remained a regional number for the Premier League champions with Jeremy Doku and Savinho regularly preferring in the large mid -range sockets.
Grealish is likely to play in Fa cup fourth tie in Leyton Orient tomorrow With the city that wants to bounce behind last Sunday’s frustrating 5-1 capitulation to Arsenal.
Asked about the former Aston Villa man, Guardiola said: “I am very sorry that they do not get the minutes they may be worth, but in the end, the contributions from Jeremy (Doku) or Savinho were huge this season. He’s the only one reason for which?
“The manager sometimes has to choose a player in front of each other, not only because you don’t like the other, but because one player can give you at the moment of a season, now better. No more than that.
“Of course I make mistakes and maybe it has to play in other games, or maybe the players they play should not, but it’s my world, my life and you have to accept it.”
East will bring a problem ”
Leyton Orient is doing well in League One and Guardiola is not waiting for an easy afternoon at Brisbane Road.
He added: “Yes of course (they will bring problems).
“We always had problems in this competition. FA Cup or Carabao Cup, away in teams in the league or championship one or even the two championship.
“We always fight. But we are ready for the challenge. Every game is a new opportunity. ”
Pep 💬 (in Nico) is a place we were weak in the absence of Rodri. He is a young player … he can play 6 or 8 … he is a strong boy. I know him from Barcelona and his father worked here. Really happy for the club and looking ahead of the following years. pic.twitter.com/chg9pu9ckg
– Manchester City (@mancity) 7 February 2025
Guardiola thanked with Gonzalez arrest
The day of the deadline signing Nico Gonzalez could make his debut for the city after moving from Porto and Guardiola is pleased to bring him on board.
He said: “It’s a place where we were weak after the absence from Rodri.
“A young player, 23 years old, can play the number six and number eight, more in pockets. Naturally – it’s a strong young boy.
“I know him from the Barcelona Academy and his father worked here. I am really pleased with the club’s attempt to bring him here for the coming years.”
