Guardiola Open to Grealish at City; Praises Haaland in Top Form

Guardiola Opens the Door to Grealish’s Return to Manchester City

The Manchester City coach, Pep Guardiola, has left open the possibility of Jack Grealish returning to the team. The international Englishman has had a significant impact on Everton since joining the Merseyside club in August, through a season-long loan. Grealish, who had previously lost prominence at the Etihad Stadium, could have a new opportunity.

• Rodri will miss the match against Everton due to a knee injury.
• Manchester City unveils its new fourth kit for the 2025-26 season in collaboration with EA Sports FC.

Guardiola will not have to devise a strategy to stop Grealish when the clubs meet in the Premier League on Saturday, as he is ineligible to play against his parent club. However, his performance has not gone unnoticed.

“I think he has a contract for one more year with us. The important thing is that he is back. He is a great influence in Everton’s matches. After what has happened, maybe Manchester City wants him back, but I don’t know. Many things are going to happen. We’ll see. The important thing is that he is playing again, many minutes. This is the standard. I am happy, really, honestly, that he is back, giving his best.”

Pep Guardiola

The coach also expressed his satisfaction at not having to face Erling Haaland, whom he considers to be in the best form of his career. The forward has scored 21 goals in just 12 appearances this season, including outstanding performances with City and the Norwegian national team. Haaland has scored 12 goals for City this season, raising his total to 136 since his arrival in 2022.

“I had the pleasure of facing him when I was in Dortmund and I hope I don’t have to face him again for the rest of my life. He is a first-class player. In world football, there are four, five, six, ten players who make a difference. I think he is one of them. We have him, hopefully for many years, and we are very happy about that.”

Pep Guardiola

Guardiola pointed out that Haaland does not need special management at this time, and that he will only intervene if the player is going through a bad moment.