Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has rejected suggestions that Jack Grealish was not included in the club’s FIFA Club World Cup squad due to the winger’s attitude or discipline.
Grealish, who has struggled with limited playing time so far in 2024–25, was not included in City’s 27-man squad for the competition in America. Having played only seven Premier League games—just one in the second half of the season—his absence surprised some.
Guardiola spoke to journalists and said that it was only his decision from a tactical point of view. “The only person that caused [Grealish] not to have playing time was me, not because he was wrong or anything like that,” he stated. “Doku was fantastic in many games and Savinho took a step up.”
Guardiola mentioned that the size of the squad and the rivalry among players for a spot on the pitch were major factors while explaining that players such as Phil Foden, Omar Marmoush, Matheus Nunes, and Nico O’Reilly could provide more versatility.
Given the number of transfer rumors, clubs which still want Grealish alongside Tottenham, Everton, Aston Villa, Bayern Munich, and Napoli are off the mark, according to the media. Guardiola kept a low profile: “The only thing I want is for Jack to be happy… I haven’t got a clue about the future. The quality was always there.”
