Jack Grealish: Man City star ‘suffocated’ by off-field issues after source reveal – ex-manager
Alex McLeish has claimed Jack Grealish needs to shut up and “keep out of the limelight” as he is is being “suffocated” by off-field issues at Manchester City.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Scotland manager urged the 26-year-old to “get out of the limelight” and focus on his football.
As revealed by Football Insider last week (3 February), club chiefs have privately admitted they made a mistake signing Grealish over Harry Kane last summer.
A City source told this site that while Pep Guardiola and his backroom staff are in no doubt over the midfielder’s talents, he has struggled to fit into the team’s style of play.
As reported by the Telegraph (20 December), Grealish and Phil Foden were warned over their off-field conduct.
City coaches were reportedly unhappy with the pair’s condition for a recovery session.
However, Guardiola defended the summer signing on Tuesday (8 February) after footage emerged of some City players on a night out in Manchester.
McLeish insisted Grealish needs to get out of the headlines to rediscover his best form.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I just think there are too many headlines about him.
“He has just got to get his head down. Keep quiet, get out of the limelight and just concentrate on his game.
“He has got a lot to give, Jack. At the moment he is kind of being suffocated by off-field stuff.
“For me, it would be about trying to get away from that. Ignore the invitation and get down to what he does best.”
Grealish made his 25th appearance for City in Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Brentford.
He has scored three goals and contributed three assists so far.
In other news, Man City in advanced talks to agree deal with sensation rated as good as Phil Foden.