Pep Guardiola asserts that England did not consult Manchester City’s medical department before interim head coach Lee Carsley included Jack Grealish in the squad, despite City’s manager declaring the forward unfit for Saturday’s match against Brighton. Grealish last played for the champions as a substitute in the 73rd minute of their 2-1 victory over Wolves on October 20. However, Carsley has selected him for the squad that will face Greece on Thursday and the Republic of Ireland next Sunday.
“They [City’s medical department] haven’t informed me that they [England] spoke,” Guardiola said. “They can choose who they want. Jack trained today [Friday] and feels he can contribute – I’m not the one to say he can’t go. But for my team tomorrow [Saturday], he’s not fit – he can’t play.” Guardiola emphasized that it’s a decision for the England manager, adding, “All I can say is that for a couple of days over two weeks, he didn’t train, but the people from England believe he can help. So, go. It’s his decision.”
Carsley mentioned on Thursday when announcing the squad that Grealish had trained for two days, a statement Guardiola clarified the following day. “Today was the first training [outside] and in the gym the day before. This is the reality,” he said. When asked if joining England might improve Grealish’s fitness, Guardiola responded, “Maybe. I don’t know. The manager from the UK [England] will know better than me. He [Grealish] has had two or three setbacks in terms of injuries and couldn’t get his rhythm. He has to be motivated to play, he has to be fit to play. Not only Jack – there are many players this happens to. This is the reality.”
Guardiola also confirmed he had spoken with Grealish about his call-up. “[He said]: ‘I want to go to the national team.’ No [I’m not surprised].” Guardiola is yet to decide on extending his contract with City, which expires next summer. His last two contract renewals were agreed in November during trips to Abu Dhabi, the home of the club’s owner, Sheikh Mansour. When asked if there were plans for another trip during the international break, Guardiola said, “No. I’ve said many times, I won’t talk about it [a new contract]. When it happens, it will happen. We’re in touch regularly.”
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