Jack Grealish reflected on a pivotal moment in his tenure at Manchester City, a period when he solidified his standing in Pep Guardiola’s trust after a high-profile £100 million transfer, setting a British record. Initially, Grealish faced challenges in acclimating to both his new team and Guardiola’s distinctive approach. Despite this, he persevered and emerged as a key player during City’s remarkable treble-winning season.
The turning point in Grealish’s perception of Guardiola’s trust occurred following the mid-season World Cup, during which Grealish and the England national team faced a disheartening defeat against France in the quarter-finals. Upon his return to City, the 28-year-old forward showcased his prowess by notching four goals and seven assists in 20 games.
Two significant matches highlighted Grealish’s impact during this period—the FA Cup and Champions League finals, where he displayed his skill and determination, playing nearly the full duration of both matches. Moreover, he exhibited remarkable consistency, starting 15 consecutive Premier League games, a testament to Guardiola’s confidence in him.
In a candid conversation on the club’s podcast, Grealish emphasized the importance of confidence in his performance. He revealed a specific game against Leeds upon his return from the World Cup, a match where he felt he should have scored twice in the first half. However, Grealish managed to turn the tide, providing crucial assists to Erling Haaland in the second half, proving his mettle.
Another instance that bolstered his confidence was a game against Chelsea, where Grealish, coming off the bench, made a notable impact by assisting Riyad Mahrez’s goal. This event marked a turning point as he started gaining more goal involvements and began feeling a deeper connection with his manager, Pep Guardiola.
For Grealish, feeling appreciated and valued as a player is pivotal. He highlighted that while Guardiola didn’t explicitly express his trust, the fact that he consistently selected Grealish for crucial encounters spoke volumes. This inclusion in vital games, such as facing Arsenal in the FA Cup and Premier League, reinforced Grealish’s belief in Guardiola’s faith in him, cementing their player-manager relationship. Ultimately, it was Guardiola’s actions and choices that affirmed Grealish’s place and role within the team, confirming his significance and impact on the field.
