Watching the Netflix docuseries about Manchester City’s historic treble triumph left Jack Grealish emotional. For different reasons so too has this testing season.
There is plenty to occupy City minds at the moment. Guardiola’s side are right in middle of their latest multiple trophy chase, with a huge Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid - and Grealish’s “unbelievable” England teammate Jude Bellingham - up next. But a candid Grealish took a few brief moments to pause and reflect after a standout display at Crystal Palace and finishing Together: Treble Winners the night before.
This campaign has been a stark contrast to the historic finale of last for Grealish which he ended as a key player after adapting to going from Aston Villa’s main man to being one part in a very well-oiled machine.
“I thought it might be the same as it was at Villa but playing for this manager the only ever person who has been able to go and do what they want in a team is Messi, which is fair enough,” Grealish smiled.
Niggling injuries, illness and personal issues have disrupted his progress this year. A change in his performances was also cited by Guardiola as a reason why his trajectory has not continued.
Fans say the same thing as Scott Parker earns shock move to Champions League
Grealish said: “It’s been a difficult season for me personally after the highs of last year. I spoke to the manager a lot and he's been so good with me. I owe him a little bit and want to repay him now with my performances and the team as well. He's an incredible manager, great guy with a really good heart as well. At times this season I have struggled a bit with myself and he's been there for me all the time so I owe him a lot. He's a great person and the best manager to ever do it.”
Grealish admits this season has often been a struggle (PA)On the evidence at Palace the payback process has begun. The official records will not show a Grealish goal contribution, something which had the winger recalling former Madrid star Karim Benzema’s previous criticism of the obsession with stats instead of a player's overall performance.
But he was central to all four goals City scored by two-goal Kevin De Bruyne, Rico Lewis and Erling Haaland between Jean-Philippe Mateta and Odsonne Edouard’s Palace strikes. Now entering the season’s business end Grealish believes he is “coming back now. I feel fit and strong.”
And City’s focus is narrowing on trying to repeat last season’s heroics and becoming only the second team after Madrid to retain the Champions League. Grealish said: “It is difficult. You need that hunger. Sometimes you do sit there and think how can you ever top last year? Will any happiness ever come close to that? Sometimes you have to think if you do it again, go one step ahead or win something else then maybe that would top it.”
Grealish impressed in the win at Crystal Palace (Getty Images)City’s last meeting with Madrid, the stunning 4-0 semi-final second leg Champions League win, was one of their highest highs last season. Grealish added: "That was one of my favourite moments of being a footballer, that night.
“To move to City, play Champions League football, play against Real Madrid in your home stadium, have your family and friends there, everyone in the world watching, These are the moments you live for.
“I finished the Netflix documentary last night and the last episode especially made me a bit emotional, want to go and do it again and made me think, I know it’s a bit deep, but this is the youngest I’m ever going to be so to try and enjoy the moment because I’m not going to be playing Champions League for the rest of my life.
"Everyone knows what Madrid are like. Whether they’ve got a top team or not a top team they’re always there. They’re the [14-times] record holders for winning the Champions League. It is a brilliant club.
"But this club as well is on the way up. We’ve been there and thereabouts for the last 10 years now and I can’t speak highly enough of this club. Going back to the documentary, it makes me happy to be part of it and the way it is run from the bottom to the top is just so special. That’s what we’re here for, to try and win all these trophies.”
and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our
Liverpool coach admits seeking Virgil van Dijk solution that "never happened"
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
