Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has suggested that Jack Grealish must 'get in better shape' to challenge for a place in his starting lineup.
There have been times this season when Grealish has missed out on selection due to injuries and needing time to rebuild his fitness and sharpness.
However, Grealish has started just twice in the last eight Premier League fixtures when he has been available, while remaining as an unused substitute versus Leicester City over the Christmas and New Year period.
A token six minutes were handed to the England international at the end of Saturday's 4-1 victory over West Ham United with Savinho shining having started ahead of him.
After the contest with the Hammers, Guardiola was quizzed over the current situation with Grealish, who has scored just three goals since the start of 2023-24.
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"He has to compete"
As quoted by The Standard, Guardiola was honest with his assessment of the current situation, acknowledging that Savinho had stepped up his level when others had not.
The Spaniard said: "It's easy. He has to compete. Right now, Savinho is in better shape than Jack. That's why I play Savinho.
"What happened with Savinho's delivery in the box [is that] it's higher than the other wingers in that position, and they have to fight."
He added: "They have to prove, 'Okay, I am going to fight with Savinho to deserve to play in that position — in every single day, in every single week, in every single month.
"That is because I fought a lot for him to be here. I know he can do it, because I saw him. I saw the level, and I want that every single training sessions, every single game. That's why he [Savinho] plays: because he produced.
"Two weeks ago, he [Grealish] was injured. I need rhythm. I don't have any doubts about the quality of Jack. He would not be here [otherwise]. The responsibility belongs to the players, absolutely. They have to take it, and they have to deliver.".
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Will Grealish earn more chances?
Guardiola and his Man City players are currently in a position where they are attempting to build momentum after a dismal couple of months.
Wins over Leicester and West Ham have got City back on track, and they now have a week to prepare for Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie at home to Salford City.
The fact that a Premier League fixture away at Brentford is scheduled for three days later could play into Grealish's favour to start versus the League Two outfit.
Games with Ipswich Town, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Club Brugge are then played across a short space of time, Guardiola needing as many fit players as possible to negotiate that period.
Darren Plant
