Pep Guardiola issues stinging response to Jack Grealish as Lee Carsley risks Man City's wrath

Pep Guardiola has responded bluntly to the appointment of injured Jack Grealish to England's latest squad. The midfielder has been out since October 20 after suffering a groin injury during his side's win over Wolves, yet was named by Lee Carsley this week for the Nations League matches against Greece and Ireland.

The 29-year-old has only played seven of his side's ten league matches this season, and Guardiola previously predicted he would only be back fit after the international break.

And when asked what he thought of Carsley's selection, the Spaniard was in no mood to go into detail.

“A question for the British manager,” he replied. When asked if the developing Grealish was available for the trip to Brighton on Saturday, Guardiola bluntly replied “No”.

The entire press briefing lasted just six minutes, with Guardiola also quick when asked if any of his injured players would return to the American Express Stadium. “Not good news,” he said. “The same ones as in Lisbon. The same guys who traveled, they are still there.”

Defeat on Saturday would see Guardiola lose four games in a row for the first time in his career. And he was asked if he had learned anything about his team amid their worrying form.

“Absolutely nothing because I have known them for nine years, they have proven on several occasions what they are capable of. It has not changed the opinion I have of them, it is part of football, it happens sometimes. “

He also downplayed the importance of recent defeats, which occurred in the Carabao Cup, the Premier League, then the Champions League. “They are different competitions,” he added.

However, the 53-year-old was more willing to talk when it came to discussing the work being done by Fabian Hurzeler at Brighton.

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