Pep Guardiola blasts Jack Grealish for his poor form and admits he wishes he could repeat his highs from Man City’s Treble-winning season – with Savinho ‘in better shape’

Pep Guardiola has criticised Jack Grealish for his poor form this season, admitting he wishes the Manchester City winger was still playing like he did in the Treble season of 2022-23.

The City boss picked summer signing Savinho ahead of Grealish for City’s 4-1 victory over West Ham on Saturday, explaining that the Brazilian – who contributed two assists – is in ‘better shape’ than the Englishman.

‘As much as (Grealish) looks at himself, he will see the competition,’ Guardiola said. ‘He has to compete with himself. Savinho is in better shape and everything than Jack and that’s why I played Savinho.

‘I want the Jack that won the Treble. But I try to be honest with myself for that. What happened with Savinho’s delivery in the box? It’s higher than the other wingers in that position.

‘And they have to fight. You can say “OK, it’s unfair”. If you think that, then it’s fine. But you have to prove, ‘I’m going to fight with Savinho, to deserve to play in that position’. And every single day, and every single week and every single month.’

Grealish, 29, has scored just three Premier League goals and registered two assists since the start of last season.

Guardiola wants Grealish to repeat his heroics from Manchester City’s Treble-winning season

Savinho was selected instead against West Ham and registered two assists in the 4-1 win

Guardiola added: ‘I know that he can do it because I saw him. I saw his level and I want that, every single training session and every single game. 

‘If not, Savinho… is there anyone (who thinks) Savinho doesn’t deserve to play right now? I play him because he produces.’