Grealish helped City to victory in the Copa de Lone Star in Texas on Wednesday night, as Pep Guardiola’s men – minus Haaland – defeated Club America 2-1 thanks to two Kevin de Bruyne goals.
Jack Grealish has revealed that his £100million price-tag has helped ease the pressure on Erling Haaland. Grealish, who became the most expensive player in British football when Manchester City broke the bank to prise him away from Aston Villa last summer, has already been talking to new £51million striker Haaland about the challenges of playing for the champions. And he admitted that the Norwegian told him he was totally relaxed – because he came to City for half the price.
Grealish said: “Erling actually said to me ‘I’m only half the price of you so I haven’t got the pressure!’ Obviously there’s always going to be big expectations, but nowadays you have to deal with it.
“I suppose if he misses a chance or whatever then people are always going to have something to say.
“I’ve had to get used to it myself. But Erling is a great guy, a brilliant guy. The first day that I met him we took a car together and after that ride I thought ‘what a guy.’
“He’s so down to earth and quite up front with the way he is. You get used to that. He’s looked good in training and once he reaches full fitness will be unstoppable. I can’t wait to play with him and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Man City players were greeted by an unfamiliar face as they returned to training camp. Grealish was jeered by fans as City lifted the Copa de Lone Star by beating Club America in Texas on Wednesday night. He was clearly targeted by the Mexicans but got grief off the fans after being denied two clear penalties.
Haaland missed the game with what Pep Guardiola described as “a few niggles.” But the City boss promised that his new No 9 will play against Bayern Munich in Green Bay on Saturday.
Argentine youngster Julian Alvarez led the City line as two brilliant Kevin De Bruyne goals sealed victory.
Grealish was impressed with the contribution of the 22-year-old, who cost £14million from River Plate – and reckoned he has a touch of Jamie Vardy about him.
Grealish said: “Julian was brilliant. He actually reminds me of Vardy, the way he presses, can finish and runs in behind.”