´Don´t ask me about Jack´ – Guardiola defiant on Grealish future after Fulham omission

Pep Guardiola insisted the decision to leave Jack Grealish out of Manchester City’s squad to play Fulham on the final day of the Premier League season was “nothing personal”.

The uncertainty around the winger’s future increased after he did not travel to Craven Cottage, where Guardiola’s side secured third place with a 2-0 victory.

Grealish started just seven of his 20 Premier League appearances this season, while scoring just three goals across all competitions.

The 29-year-old was an unused substitute for last weekend’s FA Cup final defeat by Crystal Palace, and was also left out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad.

Nevertheless, Guardiola was defiant when questioned about Grealish’s future.

Heading to the @ChampionsLeague for the 15th consecutive seasonpic.twitter.com/14IZsh07mZ

— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 25, 2025

“Don’t ask me about Jack,” he said. “Who said I’m not happy with Jack? Rico [Lewis] was not selected, [James] McAtee was exceptional against Aston Villa and Wolves – why not ask me about McAtee? It’s not personal.

“I treat Jack like I think of [Abdukodir] Khusanov, [James] McAtee and all the players who have not been [included]. I have 24 players. I have to get rid of five players because [Mateo] Kovacic was sent off in the last game.

“It’s nothing personal with Jack. I’m the person who fought for him to come here and the person who fought for him to stay here this season and the next season.

“I’m the one who said I want Jack Grealish. Now, he didn’t come [to the game] because he didn’t come, but not something else. What happens in the future is a job for Txiki [Begiristain] and the agents.”