Jack Grealish has opened up on his relationship with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola, 53, was visibly frustrated with Grealish in the aftermath of City's recent 0-0 draw with fellow Premier League title contenders Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.
The England international was substituted on for Mateo Kovacic in the 61st minute - but failed to make a lasting impact on the game as last season's treble winners were ultimately left frustrated.
It wasn't just frustration from the manager, Grealish has endured a tough run throughout much of the 2023/24 campaign and also looked dejected in the post-match scenes. From injuries to his manager publicly criticising his levels in training, Grealish has not built on his solid campaign during the historic run last season.
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However, he has since opened up on his struggles throughout the current season, which have seen him record just three goals and one assist across his 16 outings in the top flight of English football.
"Playing for this manager the only ever person who has been able to go and do what they want in a Pep team is [Lionel] Messi, which is fair enough," said Grealish as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.
"You can't knock what the manager has done, he's an incredible manager, a great guy with a really good heart as well.
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"At times this season I have struggled a little bit with myself and he's been there for me all the time. I owe him a lot. He's a great person and the best manager to ever exist.
"It's been a difficult season for me personally after the highs of last year. I spoke to the manager a lot and he's been so good with me. I owe him a little bit and want to repay him now with my performances and the team as well.
"I speak to my friends in the [dressing room] everyday, I know how important I am to the team. I speak to the manager and at the back end of last season you've seen how much the manager played me.
"I do seem to play in the big games. I saw [Karim] Benzema say it last season in an interview - everyone is so focused on goals and assists. I want to score, because in football there is no better feeling than scoring goals, but it is a team game and I am so happy to keep playing for this team."
Topics: Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Jack Grealish, Premier League, Arsenal, Football
Patrick Rowe