Pep Guardiola says Jack Grealish must deliver his best form for Manchester City this season – or he will be in trouble.
Grealish, who signed for a British record fee of £100million from Aston Villa in the summer, has two goals and three assists in 15 appearances for City.
The England winger, who has missed City's last three games through injury, is back training and in contention to face his former club at Villa Park on Wednesday night.
Although Guardiola said he has been happy with Grealish's contribution so far this season, the City boss said he cannot wait until next season to see the best of the 26-year-old.
Asked if it would take until next season for Grealish to produce his best, Guardiola said: “He’ll be in trouble [if so] - we want to see it now.
“We’ve six or seven months left, with a lot of nice things, we want to see it this season.
“I would say he’s settled perfectly, he knows many English players, and the other guys are nice people.
“He’s not a problem, he plays good, but has to find a bit of time, if you analyse the games, he’s not played bad.
“With the quality he has, it’s difficult to play badly. Playing every three days, its different for him, but he did it incredibly well.
“What he did at Villa was amazing, helping them get up and stay there. Now, in the international break, he came back injured, but he’ll come back step by step and we’ll see his form.”
Kevin De Bruyne is out of isolation and tested negative for Covid, but has yet to train. Grealish and Phil Foden are back in training and likely to be included on the bench.
