Pep Guardiola has stated that Jack Grealish needs to “get in better shape” in order to contend for a spot in his starting eleven. Due to injuries and the need for time to regain his fitness and agility, Grealish has occasionally missed out on selection this season.

Grealish has, however, only started twice in the last eight Premier League games when he was healthy, and he was used as a substitute against Leicester City during the Christmas and New Year’s break.

Savinho began ahead of the England international, who was given a minimal six minutes at the conclusion of Saturday’s 4-1 triumph over West Ham United. Guardiola was questioned about the current status of Grealish, who has only scored three goals since the start of 2023–24, following the match against the Hammers.

He must compete for position

According to The Standard, Guardiola was forthright in his evaluation of the current state of affairs, admitting that Savinho had raised his game when others had not. “It’s simple,” the Spaniard added.

He must compete. Savinho is currently in superior physical condition than Jack. I play Savinho for that reason.”Savinho’s delivery in the box was higher than the other wingers in that position, so they had to battle for it.

He continued: “They have to prove, ‘Okay, I am going to fight with Savinho to deserve to play in that position — in every single day, in every single week, in every single month.”That’s because I put up a lot of effort to get him here. I saw him, so I know he can do it.

Will he get chances in the future?

I want that in every training session and game after seeing the level. Savinho performs because he produced, which is why.He [Grealish] was hurt two weeks ago. I require rhythm. I have no reservations about Jack’s character.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t be here. Without a doubt, the players are responsible. They must deliver, and they must accept it. Following a disappointing couple of months, Guardiola and his Man City team are currently trying to gain momentum.

City has a week to get ready for their FA Cup third-round matchup at home against Salford City on Saturday after victories over Leicester and West Ham put them back on track.

Grealish may be favoured to start against the League Two team because of the Premier League match against Brentford that is set for three days later.

In order to manage the tight time frame, Guardiola needs as many healthy players as possible for the games against Ipswich Town, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Club Brugge.