Jack Grealish saga takes another turn as Guardiola weighs in on the player’s availability for the international games.
Jack Grealish call-up to England has taken City manager Pep Guardiola by surprise. He believes England made no contact with Manchester City’s medical department prior to the call.
In their 2-1 victory over Wolves on October 20, Grealish last played for the champions as a substitute in the 73rd minute. However, Carsley has chosen him for the team that will play the Republic of Ireland on Sunday and Greece on Thursday.
“They [City’s medical department] haven’t told me they [England] spoke,” Guardiola said. “They can select who they want. Jack trained today [Friday] and believes he can help – I’m not the guy to say you cannot go. But for my team tomorrow [Saturday] he’s not fit – he cannot play.
“It’s a question for the manager of England [why he is picked]. All I can say is that for a couple of days over two weeks he didn’t train but the people from England believe he can help. So go. Its his decision.”
Guardiola was asked if joining up with England might aid Grealish’s fitness. “Maybe. I don’t know,” he said. “The manager from the UK [England] will know better than me. He [Grealish] has had two or three setbacks in terms of injuries and could not get his rhythm. He has to be [motivated to play], he has to be fit to play. Not only Jack – there are many players who this happens to. This is the reality.” Guardiola also confirmed he had spoken with Grealish about his call-up. “[He said]: “I want to go to the national team.” No [I’m not surprised].”
Guardiola’s current contract with City expires next summer, and he has not yet decided whether to sign a new one. In November, when visiting Abu Dhabi, the home country of the club’s owner, Sheikh Mansour, the manager agreed to his last two contract extensions.
Asked if there were any plans for City to go there again during the international break, Guardiola said: “No. I said many times, I won’t talk about it [a new contract]. When it happens, it will happen. We’re in touch regularly.”