Jack Grealish’s journey at Manchester City has taken a complex turn since the team’s triumphant Treble win.
Despite being a crucial player during City’s historic season, Grealish has struggled to find the same consistency and form this season.
His performance has raised questions about his role in the team as new faces arrive and Pep Guardiola’s project continues to evolve.
Grealish’s Time at City: From Locker Room Talks to Realizing His Dreams
In his early days at Manchester City, Grealish found himself in awe of the level of talent surrounding him.
In those quiet moments after games, he would often stay behind in the dressing room, opening a bottle of Asahi and discussing his goals with teammates.
The player who had once been a star at Aston Villa now found himself in a world of established legends, a place where winning was the ultimate priority.
Those around him appreciated this down-to-earth side of Grealish, someone who, despite his massive transfer fee and high expectations, was still grappling with imposter syndrome.
His humility and rawness made him relatable to fans, and his thoughtful gestures towards supporters solidified his popularity.
He was the kind of player who felt like the ordinary man plucked from the street, thrust into Champions League finals.
Struggles Post-Treble: Is Grealish Finding His Place at City?
However, the reality of playing for a top-tier club like Manchester City soon set in.
The post-Treble slump was real for Grealish, and he admitted that he had difficulty finding his rhythm after reaching such monumental heights.
Last season was effectively a write-off for him, with the euphoria of winning the Treble lingering long after the celebrations had ended.
For Guardiola, though, there was no time to dwell on the past. City’s ethos is built on consistency, and the goal was always to climb higher.
Grealish, while emotionally affected by his achievements, also found himself questioning whether anything would ever bring him the same joy again.
This struggle to balance satisfaction and ambition would be a key point of discussion with Guardiola, who pushed him to climb that peak again.
Guardiola’s Expectations: A More Expressive Grealish
Pep Guardiola has been clear about his expectations for Grealish. Although the player’s contribution was integral during City’s successful season, there was always room for improvement.
Guardiola has frequently mentioned that he wants Grealish to be more expressive on the field, to show the creativity that made him a standout at Villa.
The numbers, however, don’t reflect that potential.
Grealish’s statistics in terms of goals and assists—39 contributions in 150 appearances—haven’t been as impressive as City fans had hoped.
The former Villa man, while a key part of City’s build-up play, has often been criticized for his lack of direct involvement in scoring or assisting goals.
The expectation was that he would bring more to the table at a club of City’s stature, but these numbers are disappointing in comparison to his time at Villa, where he was the focal point of the team’s attack.
A Rocky Start to the Season: Injuries and Inconsistent Form
Grealish’s performance has been further hampered by injuries.
After a summer of hard work, including extra sessions with a personal trainer, he suffered an injury that kept him out of key matches, including the Community Shield.
He then struggled to get back into the starting XI, with some tension between him and Guardiola over his readiness to play.
Despite the setbacks, Grealish has had moments where he showed glimpses of his old self.
His performances, especially as a deeper midfielder, have been some of his best this season, but the consistency has been lacking.
His role at City has shifted with the arrival of new signings, and competition for spots in the starting lineup is fierce.
What’s Next for Grealish? Will He Stay at City?
As the season progresses, the pressure on Grealish to step up is mounting.
Guardiola has made it clear that he wants the Grealish who was instrumental in City’s Treble-winning run, but it remains to be seen whether the 29-year-old can find that level of consistency again.
With competition from players like Savinho, Jeremy Doku, and Omar Marmoush, Grealish faces an uphill battle to secure his place in the starting lineup.
Speculation about his future swirled earlier in the season, with rumors suggesting that Grealish might leave City.
However, with his recent performances, including a goal against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, there’s still a chance for him to prove his worth.
The next few months will be crucial for Grealish, and a strong finish to the season could determine whether he stays or if both he and City part ways in the summer.
Will Grealish Find His Form Again?
For Jack Grealish, this season represents a critical point in his Manchester City career.
He has the potential to be a key player once again, but whether he can overcome his injuries, return to his best form, and cement his place in Guardiola’s evolving team remains uncertain.
With his future at City in the balance, Grealish will need to prove himself in the coming months and demonstrate that he can be the player City hoped for when they made that massive investment in him.