Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his support for midfielder Jack Grealish, acknowledging the challenges he has faced on and off the field this season. Grealish, who was a pivotal figure in City's historic three-trophy campaign last season, has encountered a more demanding environment this term, with increased competition for places following the return of Kevin De Bruyne and the arrival of Erling Haaland.
Despite the intensified competition, Guardiola remains optimistic about Grealish's progress, noting that the player is "doing the steps to get to his best level." The manager emphasized the need for Grealish to push himself to reach the heights he achieved last season, as well as during his time at Aston Villa. Guardiola expressed his eagerness to provide Grealish with more playing time as the midfielder continues to strive for his peak form.
In addition to the challenges on the pitch, Grealish has also confronted personal adversity, having learned that his home was burglarized while he was away playing against Everton over Christmas. This traumatic experience deeply affected Grealish, who expressed his devastation and the impact it had on his loved ones. Guardiola sympathized with the player's ordeal and acknowledged the potential impact it may have had on him, stating, "I'm pretty sure [it affected him] for a few days. Hopefully he forgot it but I am pretty sure."
The City boss commended Grealish for handling the situation admirably and highlighted the support provided by the club's security personnel and Grealish's inner circle. Guardiola expressed his hope that Grealish can move forward from the incident and focus on his football, emphasizing the midfielder's resilience and character in dealing with the adversity.
Despite the challenges Grealish has faced, Guardiola remains optimistic about his player's ability to overcome them. He affirmed that Grealish is an "incredible person with his humanity," and expressed confidence that the support systems in place, both within the club and Grealish's personal network, have been instrumental in assisting him during this difficult period.
Looking ahead, Guardiola is hopeful that Grealish can put these challenges behind him and continue to progress both on and off the pitch. The manager's unwavering support and belief in Grealish's potential serve as a testament to the player's resilience and the positive impact he can have in City's pursuit of further success.
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