Pep Guardiola Praises Jack Grealish’s Midfield Performance and Hints at New Role

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has praised Jack Grealish for his impressive performance in a new midfield role. Guardiola suggested that Grealish could continue playing in this position in future matches after showing promise in a recent game against Nottingham Forest.

Grealish, known for playing on the wing, was moved to the middle of the pitch during City’s match against Forest. Although he didn’t score or assist, his performance stood out for controlling the game and helping City manage their tempo. Guardiola was pleased, saying, “Jack did really well. He helped control the game, knowing when to speed things up or slow them down.”

City’s midfield has struggled this season due to injuries. Rodri is out for the whole campaign, while Kevin De Bruyne and Mateo Kovacic have missed several matches. This has forced Guardiola to experiment with new options, and Grealish’s ability to adapt has been a big help.

Even though De Bruyne stole the show with a standout performance, Guardiola highlighted how important Grealish was. “Kevin was fantastic, but Jack gave us control, which is just as important,” Guardiola said.

Pep Guardiola on @JackGrealish in midfield: "Hopefully in the next games, if I decide to play him in that position, he can be involved in the final third, being decisive in the passes for goals and assists.

"But he gave us what we needed. Our football was always built in…

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) December 4, 2024

Guardiola hinted that Grealish could become a key player in midfield, even suggesting he could handle a deeper role. “Jack is great at keeping the ball and breaking through defenses,” Guardiola explained. “He knows when to pass and when to push forward, which is exactly what we need.”

Former City goalkeeper Shay Given had recently criticized Guardiola for playing Grealish on the wing, calling it a waste of his talents. But this switch to midfield seems to be working well for both Grealish and the team.

Guardiola believes that Grealish can become more involved in creating chances and scoring goals if he continues in this role. “I’m confident Jack can make more decisive plays and help us score,” Guardiola said. “He’s doing well, and I’m happy with his progress.”

This shift could be a turning point for Grealish, who is working to regain the form that made him a key player during City’s Treble-winning season. With Guardiola’s support, he has a great chance to shine in his new role.

City fans will be watching closely to see how Grealish performs in midfield in the coming games. If he continues to impress, he could become an essential part of City’s strategy moving forward.

As Guardiola put it: “He played really well, and I’m so happy for him.”