Pep Guardiola has moved to reassure Jack Grealish that he still has a big part to play for Manchester City this season.
City made Grealish their own, and Britain's, record transfer signing in the summer when they splashed out a massive £100million to recruit the Aston Villa captain. Grealish has had a bright start to his life at City but hasn't made the seismic impact that may have been expected for such a large transfer fee.
Though there have been many good performances they haven't translated into great numbers, with just five goals and three assists to his name this season, and the 26-year-old has seen himself slip down the pecking order as of late. In recent big matches against Atletico Madrid, Liverpool and Real Madrid Grealish has been named on the bench and didn't even come on as a substitute in the last two Champions League outings.
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Many have taken that as a sign that Grealish is struggling to adapt at such a big club — even though several other attacking signings have had similar slow starts at the Etihad in the recent past — but Guardiola has made it clear just how important he is to the side.
"He can, nothing changes," the Blues boss replied when asked if he still has a part to play this season. "Just because in that position, Riyad [Mahrez], has important games gives us something unique, [Phil] Foden is so determined.
"Just that reason, Raheem — everyone knows how important he is, but I decide not because they are bad. Always I have the feeling with Phil and Riyad they can create chances, sense to score a goal. I have the feeling they can score a goal when they need it. Sometimes we need Jack or Raz [Raheem Sterling], it’s not that I am not satisfied."
City travel to Leeds on Saturday in another crucial match in the Premier League title race but they could be two points off the top by the time they kick-off as Liverpool face Newcastle in the day's early game. However, Guardiola does not believe that playing later in the weekend will make much difference to the pressure his side will feel.
"I don't know, I don't know honestly," he said when asked what difference it will make. "Ask the broadcasters they decide the games. I don't know.
"We have been in this position many times in the past and now in the present. It's nothing new. If we play before or later we must win the game. Nothing has changed."
