Pep Guardiola is reportedly unhappy with Jack Grealish’s conduct on the pitch during the fracas at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Jack Grealish made headlines last summer when he became the first British player in history to fetch a transfer fee of £100 million. Manchester City decided to pay the amount, which was indeed a release clause in the England international’s Aston Villa contract.
Following the move, Grealish was tipped to become a key member under Pep Guardiola. The former Aston Villa captain showed glimpses of his talent earlier in the season but has struggled for form in a Manchester City side that continues to challenge for the Premier League title without the playmaker’s influence.
Grealish has managed five goals in 33 appearances for Manchester City this season, while his assists numbers are down to just three. Some have claimed the playmaker does not suit Guardiola’s system. Others insist that it is a matter of time before the attacking midfielder unleashes himself after a learning period under the Catalan manager.
Additionally, he has been embroiled in a few minor controversies, including the one in December when Grealish and teammate Phil Foden had visited a nightclub against the club’s COVID protocols.
Grealish found himself making headlines again after the on-pitch fracas with Atletico Madrid players. During Manchester City’s quarter-final stalemate with the Spanish champions, all hell broke loose after Felipe’s challenge on Foden.
Players from both sides clashed on the pitch as the incident developed into a full-blown brawl. Amid the chaos, Atletico defender Stefan Savic was seen arguing with Grealish and subsequently grabbing the England international by his hair after the playmaker had mouthed an insult towards the Atletico Madrid defender.
The duo continued to exchange words while entering the tunnel after full-time, with the incident captured on camera. In that personal battle, Grealish was the perpetrator with Guardiola, reportedly unhappy with his behaviour.
The manager is reportedly furious at Grealish and his conduct in the incident at the Wanda Metropolitano at Atletico. The Catalan boss has not publicly commented on the issue, but a Football Insider source insists the Manchester City tactician remains unimpressed by the playmaker in many ways.
Grealish did find his scoring boots in the next game against Liverpool, although Manchester City bowed out of the FA Cup, thus ending their dream of a treble. The club are still in contention for the Premier League and Champions League titles before the season ends.
Grealish seems to be on thin ice and continues to test Guardiola’s patience on and off the pitch. However, he may still play a crucial role as the club hope to end the season with the two trophies.
