Jack Grealish admits adapting at Man City was ‘a lot harder’ than he thought

Jack Grealish has spoken of the challenges of adapting to Manchester City after playing a huge part in their win over Chelsea.

The winger came off the bench to assist Riyad Mahrez in the 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge, putting her five points behind leaders Arsenal.

Grealish joined City in the summer of 2021 for a record British fee of £100million and has admitted he didn’t find it that difficult adjusting to life at the club after leaving his boyhood club Aston Villa.

Jack Grealish came off the bench and made an instant impression in the win against Chelsea

Asked what life was like at Manchester City, he told Sky Sports after the Chelsea win: “It’s so much different at Villa. If he played for Dean Smith, he would say, “Go find the weak link”.

“At Villa I always had an overlapping full-back. I didn’t realize how difficult it is to adapt to a different team and manager. It was so much harder than I thought. Many teams tend to play against us.

“They sit there on the bench watching the game and seeing what Phil (Foden) is doing in the position I would be in if I came on. I’ve been here for 18 months and honestly enjoy it. It is a pleasure to work under Pep.”

Grealish has revealed the differences between playing at Aston Villa and Man City

Grealish has found adjusting at Man City more difficult than expected despite enjoying life at the club under Pep Guardiola

Grealish and Mahrez both came on on the hour against Chelsea and combined to devastating effect.

The England international’s cross from left wing was perfect for Mahrez, who slotted in at the far post to score the only goal of the game and give them the three points.

When asked about his relationship with Mahrez, Grealish replied, “I’m so close to Riyad and we warmed up together and said ‘I’d like to come here’ because the game was open.

Grealish played a perfect cross for substitute Riyad Mahrez to pin the ball home

Grealish has provided three assists in as many league games since the World Cup break

“The manager told Riyad to go and warm up – he didn’t really tell me to warm up.

“I thought I’ll warm up here even if I don’t come. Next thing I know, Riyad was like “Jack! Come on, let’s move on”. I was like “buzz, see you later”.

One criticism of the former Villa captain was his lack of goals and assists for the reigning Premier League champions.

He has netted just once this season but has been in fine form since the World Cup break, providing three assists in as many league games.