Pep Guardiola was delighted with Jack Grealish's desire to drive at Chelsea's defence in his "magnificent" performance in Manchester City's Carabao Cup win. Grealish was denied on three occasions by Edouard Mendy during the 2-0 win, but his quick feet and driving runs were a constant threat to the visitors.
The attacking midfielder is expected to be named in the England squad for the World Cup on Thursday and this was one of his best performances of the season, playing in a slightly narrower position off the left.
Grealish thrived in the City side without Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden, taking on more responsibility, but Guardiola knows he can achieve that whoever he plays alongside, but was most pleased with his change of approach on Wednesday.
READ MORE: Man City player ratings vs Chelsea
"I want Jack to have the responsibility, to play with Kevin with Phil. Today the best step Jack has done, is when he gets the ball wider or more inside to attack the back line, the back four for Chelsea, always his intention was to pass the ball," he said.
"No, no, we spoke many times with him, the first intention is go to score a goal. He’s not a real threat for the back four because he’s going to pass the ball, but today his body language is ‘I’m going to score a goal’. Then after, shoot or pass.
"Today was three or four times he did it and this is what we wanted. Today he didn’t score but with the chances he will do it. He was exceptional again, Jack is playing really, really good."
Grealish is likely to be joined in the England squad by Kalvin Phillips, who made his return from shoulder surgery with a 40-minute run-out on Wednesday night.
"Kalvin he made a good 40 minutes, a long time he didn’t play and he played with an incredible personality. In the second part of the season we will need him because Rodri cannot play all the time," said Guardiola.
READ NEXT:
