Pep Guardiola hails "aggressive" Man City star who has to improve in 2024-25

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has praised Jack Grealish for his "aggressive" performance in Tuesday night's pre-season friendly with Barcelona.

Grealish has been a key player for the Citizens during pre-season, as he was not included in the England squad for Euro 2024 and was therefore able to link up with his teammates for the start of their preparations.

The attacker was on the scoresheet in Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Barcelona, netting Man City's second of the contest in the 60th minute.

Grealish only managed three goals and three assists in 36 appearances for the Citizens last season, and he will therefore be looking to improve in 2024-25.

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Guardiola praises Grealish for performance vs. Barcelona

Guardiola hailed Grealish for his "aggressive" performance against Barcelona, with Man City able to avoid a third straight pre-season loss.

The reigning English champions have already lost to Celtic and AC Milan on their US Tour, and they will now tackle Chelsea on August 3 before heading back to England to prepare for the Community Shield against Manchester United.

"He was aggressive," Guardiola told reporters. "I know in controlling the ball he is good, but [tonight] he made four or five shots.

"This is what it is - he has to prove himself, but I am really pleased with the game he played.

"Every game we are getting better - our condition is getting better. Rico [Lewis], again, thank you so much, Oscar [Bobb], Nico [O'Reilly]... all. Kalvin [Phillips] made an excellent performance today.

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Guardiola lavishes praise on Man City youngsters

"Josko [Gvardiol] the first minutes, Kova [Mateo Kovacic] the first minutes, so yeah that's really good. We're blessed to have these players. It's nice because the other young players look up to senior players.

"If you aren't ready another will be ready because look at them, they want to become footballers and show they want to be there.

"As a manager it's really good and that's why having this period before the season is good. It's nice to see them, I didn't know them quite well but in training we can find them."

Grealish has been linked with a move away from Man City this summer, but the forward is expected to stay at the Etihad Stadium, as it would take a substantial offer for the English champions to consider his departure.