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Manchester City's Jack Grealish has opened up about the challenges he's faced this season, admitting it hasn't been easy despite still playing with confidence.
The English star, instrumental in City's previous campaign success, has struggled for form and game time due to injuries and a lacklustre performance early in the season.
Grealish, who has only started nine of City's 33 league matches this term, attributes his struggles to a series of injuries and a loss of confidence. However, he remains optimistic about his form going forward.
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16:00 - 02.04.2024
For the camera and my ego — Pep explains why he openly criticises his players
Pep Guardiola provides a sarcastic response to criticism regarding his exchange with Jack Grealish.
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Jack Grealish, a Manchester City midfielder, finds himself in a peculiar spot whenever he steps onto opposition turf.
Grealish speaks on tough season
"It's been difficult (this season)," he revealed to The Athletic. "Especially on the back of last year, I had such a good season. I was playing a lot and was one of the main players in the team and playing in all the important games.
"Recently, obviously I haven't scored yet, but I feel good, I feel fit and I feel like I'm playing with good confidence. Hopefully, I can bring that into the end of the season," he expressed.
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Despite his reduced role in the Premier League, Grealish was a constant presence in City's Champions League campaign, starting all eight games.
However, their journey came to an end in a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.
"It's not even about scoring and assisting. Now, I feel confident even though I've not scored. I got an assist last week at the Bernabeu (against Real Madrid) but I've said before that nowadays everyone loves to talk about goals and assists," Grealish stated.
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With the Treble off the table, City sets their sights on the domestic double, with an FA Cup semi-final clash against Chelsea looming large at Wembley on Saturday.
The team currently holds a two-point lead in the Premier League title race following slips from Arsenal and Liverpool.
"At the moment, I feel good and I feel confident. At the start of the season, I just didn't feel like I was playing well really. I didn't really feel that fit if I'm honest," Grealish reflected. "Coming in the team, playing a game, then being out of the team, in and out, it was a little bit difficult but I feel good now."
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