Jack Grealish talks on his recent form for Manchester City, media pressure, his relationship with Pep Guardiola, "very harsh" criticism of Gareth Southgate, and more in light of England's upcoming Nations League games against Italy on Friday and Germany on Monday.
Jack Grealish claims he hasn't been performing up to par since joining Manchester City, but that he is able to deal with pressure well and has a "great relationship" with Pep Guardiola.
Prior to his £100 million transfer to the Premier League winners from Aston Villa last summer, the focus on the 27-year-old England international was already high.
Even though he won the championship in his first year with Manchester, Grealish knows his play has to be better. He scored his first goal of the season in Saturday's 3-0 win over Wolves.
"I think I deal with pressure well, but I do feel like I can start playing a lot better," Grealish said at a news conference for England before their two-game Nations League slate against Italy and Germany.
"I probably haven't been playing at the top of my game since I've moved to City," he said, "but I think I've shown glimpses of it." "Over the next two months especially, I'm just going to try to get my head down as much as I can, work so hard," he said.
Grealish thinks he has had to adjust to a new culture since his high-profile move from Villa Park to the Etihad, but he has a good rapport with City coach Pep Guardiola.
"It's nothing like how it was back at Villa. While at Villa I felt more at ease, "His words.
"You'll find greater order at City. With the management, I have a really positive connection. He approaches football in a manner that I have never seen before, and I've stated as much in several interviews.
"You can see and see that it is a source of obsession for him. It's possible that the players I'm now working with have influenced my game to look and feel different from my past efforts, and I'm open to the possibility.
"When I played for Villa, I captained the team and was always listed first on the roster. Without meaning to slight Villa, when you come to City, you have players like Kevin [De Bruyne], Phil [Foden], and many more at your disposal.
"Joao Cancelo, our current fullback, is perhaps one of the finest wingers anywhere in the world. It's distinct and challenging in its own right.
"Due to competing against so many skilled opponents, I knew my game would have to adapt. Playing for a new club, with a new squad, and under a new management means that I will never again be the same player I once was. I'm hoping that this is the beginning of a great season and that I can continue to build momentum from here."
Grealish: I want to be friends with the media!
