Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has backed Jack Grealish to rise to the pressure of having to fight his way back into the team before Wednesday’s Champions League game with Young Boys.
Guardiola has no doubts over the quality of Jack Grealish but warned that City cannot wait for him to rediscover his form.
Grealish was integral for the second half of last season and started both finals as the Blues won the Treble with the former Aston Villa man patrolling and controlling the left flank.
However, he has struggled to show that same form this season and summer signing Jeremy Doku has emerged as an exciting alternative offering very different skills.
He was on the bench in City’s past four league games but started the 3-1 win at RB Leipzig on 4 October.
“I don’t have a piece of doubt about Jack,” Guardiola said.
“He needs rhythm – he’s not like [Phil] Foden or Bernardo [Silva] who need two or three training sessions to be ready. He’s incredibly focused to get back and we’re going to use him and we believe he will help us.
“He knows and everyone knows there is competition. The group of guys we have, the relationship is beyond exceptional. But they have to convince themselves they are ready. Sooner or later the opportunity comes, and you have to be ready.”
