Pep Guardiola believes England made no contact with Manchester City’s medical department prior to interim head coach, Lee Carsley, calling Jack Grealish up, with City’s manager stating the forward is not fit for Saturday’s trip to Brighton.
Grealish last featured for the champions as a 73rd-minute replacement in their 2-1 win at Wolves on 20 October. Yet Carsley has selected him for the squad that faces Greece on Thursday and Republic of Ireland next Sunday.
“They [City’s medical department] haven’t told me they [England] spoke,” Guardiola said. “They can select who they want. Jack trained today [Friday] and believes he can help – I’m not the guy to say you cannot go. But for my team tomorrow [Saturday] he’s not fit – he cannot play.
“It’s a question for the manager of England [why he is picked]. 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. Its his decision.”
Carsley stated when announcing his squad on Thursday that Grealish had trained for two days, something Guardiola sought to offer clarification on when he spoke 24 hours later. “Today the first training [outside] and in the gym the day before. This is the reality,” he said.
Guardiola was asked if joining up with England might aid Grealish’s fitness. “Maybe. I don’t know,” he said. “The manager from the UK [England] will know better than me. He [Grealish] has had two or three setbacks in terms of injuries and could not get his rhythm. He has to be [motivated to play], he has to be fit to play. Not only Jack – there are many players who 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 whether to sign new terms with City, with his current deal expiring next summer. The manager’s last two contract extensions were agreed in November when travelling to Abu Dhabi, the home nation of the club’sCity’s owner, Sheikh Mansour.
Asked if there were any plans for City to go there again during the international break, Guardiola said: “No. I said many times, I won’t talk about it [a new contract]. When it happens, it will happen. We’re in touch regularly.”
