“It’s not difficult” – Pep Guardiola disagrees with Jack Grealish on Manchester City claim

Pep Guardiola has responded to Jack Grealish’s comments when the Manchester City forward discussed the difficulty in transitioning to the style of play at the Etihad Stadium.

The former Aston Villa captain has found life difficult at Manchester City, since completing a £100 million transfer from Villa Park in the summer of 2021.

However, with Grealish now looking to have hit a strong run of form in front of goal and alongside his Manchester City teammates, he has spoken openly in recent days about the challenges he has faced in the run up to the past few weeks.

Last week, Grealish spoke about requiring time to settle into the style of play and overall life at Manchester City, as the England international hits a good run of form for Pep Guardiola’s side, especially in front of goal.

“I didn’t realise how hard it is to adapt to another team and another manager. When I came here, it was so much more difficult than I thought,” Jack Grealish said after the 0-1 win at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.

However, Pep Guardiola disagrees with the notion that it is hard for a new player to settle into his philosophy, and understand what is required of them at Manchester City.

Speaking ahead of City’s trip to Southampton in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Wednesday night, Pep Guardiola said, “It’s not difficult. The way we want to play is so simple.”

“Without the ball, help each other and with the ball, be in the right position to get the ball in better conditions.

“I would say Jack (Grealish) would understand – At Aston Villa, Jack was told do whatever you want. Here is different. Sometimes you have a bit more time, but we’ve spoken with Jack about positions and tactics. He’s so comfortable in there, but honestly, it’s not difficult.”

The 27 year-old will be keen to get right back to where he left things this week, after Jack Grealish missed the weekend’s FA Cup third round clash against Chelsea through illness.

Manchester City travel to the south coast to take on Southampton in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals at St. Mary’s, with the Premier League champions continuing to fight on all four fronts this season.