Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has publicly apologized to Jack Grealish for the winger’s lack of playing time this season.
Despite being one of the most expensive signings in Premier League history, Grealish has found himself on the sidelines more often than not, with younger talents like Jeremy Doku and Savinho preferred in recent games.
Grealish, who joined Manchester City in 2021 for a record-breaking £100 million fee, has started only a fraction of games this term and accumulated just over 1,100 minutes across all competitions. This limited involvement is largely due to Manchester City’s deep squad and Guardiola’s preference for newer signings.
When questioned about Grealish’s situation, Guardiola expressed regret over the player’s limited opportunities but emphasized that it was not personal. He highlighted the significant contributions made by Jeremy Doku and Savinho as the primary reason for his decision:
“I’m very sorry that he doesn’t get the minutes he might have deserved,” Guardiola said.
“But ultimately, the contributions of Jeremy (Doku) or Savinho this season have been enormous; that’s why.”
Guardiola also noted that while he values Grealish’s abilities, his current trust lies more with players like Savinho due to their impact on matches:
“If you give one player more minutes than another, you obviously have more trust in him right now,” he explained. “But I know his qualities; it’s just about Savinho’s impact.”
Savinho has impressed despite modest statistical output—scoring once and assisting six times in 19 games—thanks to his defensive efforts and ability to create scoring opportunities through pace and skill. At just 20 years old, Guardiola sees immense potential in him.
While Grealish is expected to play some role for Manchester City over the remainder of the season, there are questions about his future beyond summer 2025. His performance record at City includes only 16 goals and 23 assists across nearly four years—a return many fans feel does not justify his price tag.
In summary, while acknowledging Grealish’s talent and deserving more playing time based on merit alone, Guardiola’s current strategy prioritizes younger players who offer immediate tactical advantages.