Pep Guardiola heaps praise on Man City star after ‘most difficult’ summer

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has heaped praise on Jack Grealish for his ‘unbelievable’ performances in the club’s pre-season USA tour. 

The defending Premier League champions played four matches stateside as they prepare for the 2024/25 season — beginning against Manchester United in the Community Shield on Saturday.

City beat started with a 4-3 loss to Celtic, but beat Chelsea 4-2 in their final outing, following a 3-2 defeat to AC Milan and a 2-2 draw with Barcelona.

Grealish scored City’s second equaliser in the latter, while across the four matches combined, he’s played 301 minutes, created six chances, completed eight of 16 attempted dribbles and had 18 touches in the opposition box.

The 28-year-old’s impressive pre-season follows what he describes as the ‘most difficult moment’ in his career so far, missing out on the England squad that reached the final of Euro 2024.

“I’ll be honest, football-wise it was the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to deal with in terms of my own career,” Grealish said earlier in the week.

“I was absolutely heartbroken. For myself now moving forward, I have to just try and use that as motivation going into this season.”

Guardiola praises ‘unbelievable’ Grealish

Guardiola has lavished praise upon Grealish for his performances in the United States and has opened the door for him to break back into the starting XI following a 2023/24 campaign in which he started just 10 Premier League games.

“Jack has had an unbelievable four games,” Guardiola said (via BBC Sport). “I said the first game is about rhythm. Against Barcelona, he made five shots, one goal and today he is aggressive.

“I remember perfectly the Jack I know. Not how he performs, but how he’s training and his behaviours, which are like two seasons ago. A lot of competition is there [in his position] and the best player who produces for the team will play.”

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