There is a a little bit of controversy over his transfer move

There is a a little bit of controversy over his transfer move

Jack Grealish Man City Pep Guardiola

 

Pep Guardiola’s decision to substitute Jack Grealish for Matheus Nunes left Lee Hendrie completely baffled in the Man City 2-0 loss to Juventus.

 

Man City’s 2-0 defeat to Juventus in the Champions Lague (11 December) made it just one win in their last 10 matches. The Cityzens now sit just three places above the Champions League elimination zone with eight points.

 

Lee Hendrie, speaking on Sky Sports, questioned Guardiola’s decision to take off Grealish while they were trailing. He also expressed confusion over bringing on Nunes, as he “doesn’t know what he brings to the side”, and blasted fellow substitute Savinho’s contribution.

 

The pundit said (10.01pm): “Once that goal went in it was like ‘game over’. I said to Merse [Paul Merson], ‘they won’t get a goal here’ because I just couldn’t see where they were going.

 

“They bring on Nunes, I don’t know why. I don’t know what he brings to the side, I really don’t. And that’s not being harsh to him, but they bring him on out wide, what is he gonna do? He’s not gonna run by someone, he’s not gonna pick someone out.”

 

He added: “Then Savinho comes on and does absolutely nothing. Grealish goes off. It was one of those performances that I just felt was predictable, and I think the longer this run goes on, the harder it’s going to get.”

 

Man City are in a rut but they must turn things around before they get worse

Football Insider opinion

 

The reigning champions are struggling like never before. They are now at risk of losing their Champions League playoff position, never mind defending their Premier League title.

 

The loss of Rodri has halted any momentum they had, and now they are fast-tracking plans for a potential midfielder signing in January.

 

While they are unlikely to beat Liverpool to the title, they could make a move for their target Martin Zubimendi, sources tell Football Insider.

 

Liverpool

Zubimendi could be the saving grace City need for this season

City had failed to win in seven games across all competitions before their victory over Nottingham Forest, and their poor run continues after a draw against Crystal Palace and a loss to Juventus.

 

Players like Kyle Walker have faced criticism, with fans questioning his place in the team. The right-back has failed to provide the attacking threat and defensive reliability he once did and has not contributed any goals or assists this season.

 

Despite the looming 115 charges against them, City won’t let that affect their transfer plans. Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that City could take advantage of Newcastle’s financial struggles to secure Bruno Guimaraes.

 

However, any January move won’t help them in this crucial festive period. They still have Champions League and Premier League games to navigate.

 

Guardiola will need to work his magic and find alternative solutions, such as playing Grealish in the ‘eight’ position, a move that saw fans call it his best performance in a City shirt.