Jack Grealish is channeling his regret over missing out on the Euro 2024 squad for England into motivation for a successful upcoming season.
The 28-year-old winger played a pivotal role in setting up the first goal through intelligent pressing and maintained a strong partnership with Haaland, creating multiple scoring opportunities.
“Jack has delivered an exceptional performance over the last three games,” Guardiola remarked. “I mentioned that the first match was crucial for getting into rhythm. Against Barcelona, he managed five shots, scoring once, and today he displayed great aggression.
“I clearly remember the Jack I am familiar with—not just in terms of his performance, but the way he trains and his overall attitude, which reminds me of two seasons ago. There’s a lot of competition for places [in his role], and the player who consistently delivers for the team will take the field.”
Haaland certainly demonstrated his readiness for the new season with a clinical hat-trick in just 56 minutes.
Several young talents from Manchester City shone, including Bobb, who scored by threading the ball through Colwill’s legs and nearly added another goal following a stunning dribble.
City’s lineup featured starters like Rico Lewis, James McAtee—who provided two assists—Josh Wilson-Esbrand, and Nico O’Reilly.
Julian Alvarez, Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremie Doku, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, and Savinho have yet to commence pre-season training with the main squad, making Grealish, Haaland, and Bobb strong contenders to start against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium next weekend.
