A much-changed Manchester City side beat Sevilla 3-1 in their final Champions League group game, but eyebrows were raised when Pep Guardiola hooked Jack Grealish at half-time.
The 27-year-old didn’t have the worst 45 minutes, creating two chances, having one shot, whipping in two crosses while running at his opposite marker, but it initially appeared his substitution was a message from Guardiola that he needed to improve.
Pep has clarified why he made the change at the break, however, insisting it was to protect Grealish ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Fulham.
As per the Manchester Evening News, he said to reporters: “Jack was the best player in the first half, more direct. But he played a really tough game in the last game. We need him for the next game…”
Grealish, who has made 14 appearances in all competitions this season, played in seven games for City last month and had a full 90 minutes in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Leicester, so Guardiola is being mindful of burnout.
Saturday’s clash with Fulham is more important than Wednesday’s win over Sevilla, as City had already reached the knockouts and topped their group. Guardiola’s men could go top of the Premier League with a win over the weekend, so it makes more sense to rest key players with that fixture in mind.
Unfortunately for Grealish, he’s still only got one goal and is without an assist this campaign. But the England international will take comfort from his performance and will hope to end his barren run on Saturday. Guardiola still appears to support him.
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