Stuart Pearce Points Responsibility at Jack Grealish for City Decline

Former Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce has held Jack Grealish accountable for his declining influence at the Etihad Stadium, stating that the England international has only himself to blame for his current position within Pep Guardiola’s squad.

Grealish, who managed just 10 Premier League starts during the 2024/25 season, has attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United. His playing time has diminished following the emergence of Jeremy Doku, Oscar Bobb, and the arrival of Rayan Cherki.

Speaking on behalf of CLUB, Pearce emphasised that Grealish’s failure to impact games and reluctance to attack defenders directly has cost him his place in the team. “The buck stops with the player in my eyes,” he said. “You’ve got to deliver performances to make sure you stay in the team.”

Background

• Grealish joined City from Aston Villa for £100 million in 2021
• Has struggled with injuries and tactical adjustments under Guardiola
• Linked with a loan move as Euro 2026 approaches

FAQ

• Is Grealish still in Pep Guardiola’s plans? His role is diminishing, especially with newer, more direct players being favoured.
• What did Stuart Pearce specifically criticize? Grealish’s conservative playstyle and lack of output in terms of goals and assists.
• Are other clubs interested? Yes. West Ham, Tottenham, and clubs in Europe have shown interest.

Conclusion

Stuart Pearce’s comments reflect growing concern around Grealish’s career stagnation. With limited time remaining in the summer window, the onus is now on Grealish to take charge of his next move — whether to stay and fight, or seek a fresh challenge elsewhere.