Credits: X/@ManCity

‘Don’t Ask Me About Jack’ – Guardiola Argues With Reporter About Grealish’s Future

Jack Grealish has endured a disappointing season at the Etihad, starting just seven Premier League games.

Credits: X/@ManCity

Tensions flared during Pep Guardiola’s post-match press conference after Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Fulham. The City manager grew frustrated when questioned about Jack Grealish’s exclusion from the matchday squad on the final day of the Premier League season.

Ilkay Gundogan’s spectacular overhead kick and a second-half penalty from Erling Haaland sealed a 2-0 victory for Manchester City on the final day of the season. The result also helped City secure a third-place finish in the Premier League. Meanwhile, City attacker Grealish was notably absent from the trip to Craven Cottage, fueling speculation over his long-term future at the club.

Pep Guardiola Snaps at Journalist

The England international has endured a disappointing season at the Etihad, starting just seven Premier League games and making a total of 32 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing five assists in the process. In the post-match press conference, Guardiola was quick to shut down suggestions that Grealish’s omission was due to personal reasons or dissatisfaction with the player.

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When questioned repeatedly on the topic, Guardiola snapped at a reporter. Guardiola said,

“Don’t ask me about Jack. Who said I’m not happy with Jack? Rico [Lewis] was not selected, [James] McAtee was exceptional against Aston Villa and Wolves – why not ask me about McAtee? It’s not personal.”

“I treat Jack like I think of [Abdukodir] Khusanov, [James] McAtee and all the players who have not been [included]. I have 24 players. I have to get rid of five players because [Mateo] Kovacic was sent off in the last game.

“It’s nothing personal with Jack. I’m the one who said I want Jack Grealish. Now, he didn’t come [to the game] because he didn’t come, but not something else. What happens in the future is a job for Txiki [Begiristain] and the agents.”

Pep Guardiola: "No. Don't ask me about Jack Grealish, please." 😬 pic.twitter.com/VVp5BaGjyD
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 25, 2025

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Jack Grealish was an unused substitute during Manchester City’s 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final. Guardiola has increasingly turned to other options on the flanks, including Phil Foden, Savinho, Jeremy Doku, and Omar Marmoush. All of these players have played more regularly than Grealish in recent months.

Manchester City signed Jack Grealish for a then-British record fee of £100 million from Aston Villa in 2021. The winger still has two years remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium. Grealish was also excluded from Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad. With the summer transfer window approaching and uncertainty rising around Grealish’s future at City, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the former Aston Villa star.

Guardiola

Jack Grealish

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.