On the evening of July 11, 2025, the electric atmosphere of Oasis’ long-awaited reunion concert at Manchester’s Heaton Park brought together over 70,000 fans, including two prominent figures from Manchester City: Jack Grealish and Pep Guardiola. The event, marking the band’s first hometown performance in 16 years, was a celebration of Manchester’s musical heritage, led by lifelong City supporters Noel and Liam Gallagher. Yet, for Grealish and Guardiola, their shared presence in the VIP section was overshadowed by a palpable tension, reflecting a strained relationship amid rumors of Grealish’s impending departure from the club.
Jack Grealish, the 29-year-old midfielder who joined Manchester City from Aston Villa in 2021 for a record-breaking £100 million, has been a fan favorite for his flair and charisma. His pivotal role in City’s 2022-23 treble-winning season, with 50 appearances and a key contribution to their first Champions League title, cemented his place in the club’s history. However, the 2024-25 season has been challenging, with Grealish starting only seven Premier League matches and being left out of the squad for the FIFA Club World Cup. This exclusion, coupled with Guardiola’s comments about seeking players with “butterflies in their stomach,” has fueled speculation that Grealish’s time at the Etihad Stadium is nearing its end. Clubs like Everton, Newcastle United, Tottenham, and Napoli are reportedly monitoring the situation, with a potential loan move on the table due to his £300,000-per-week contract.
Despite these uncertainties, Grealish’s love for Manchester City shone through at the concert. Engaging with fans at the VIP barrier, he was captured in a heartfelt moment, declaring, “You know what? I love City more than anything. And do you know what I love more than anything? City fans. They’re the best fans in the world.” His words, tinged with emotion and perhaps a hint of farewell, resonated deeply with supporters, who have long admired his connection to the club. Grealish, a known Oasis enthusiast who has led teammates in singing “Wonderwall” in the dressing room, was in high spirits, belting out lyrics and embracing the night’s energy.
Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, attended the concert with his daughter Maria, their shared love for Oasis well-documented. The band’s connection to Manchester City runs deep—Noel Gallagher designed a club kit last season, and both brothers have celebrated with the team on the pitch after title wins. During the concert, Liam Gallagher dedicated “D’You Know What I Mean?” to Guardiola, calling him “the greatest manager of all time, the one and only Pep Guardiola.” The gesture, however, drew mixed reactions, with a smattering of boos from Manchester United fans in the crowd, prompting Noel to retort, “Who you f—ing booing?” Guardiola, unfazed, joined the masses in singing “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” a moment captured by Maria on social media. Backstage, he mingled with the Gallagher family, including Liam’s sons Lennon and Gene, and Noel’s children Anais, Donovan, and Sonny, highlighting his deep ties to Manchester’s cultural scene.
The concert, part of Oasis’ sold-out five-night run at Heaton Park following their Cardiff kickoff, was a cultural milestone, with fans traveling from as far as the U.S. and Mexico. One American fan, Carley Williams, spent over $15,000 to attend, describing the experience as “what I’ve lived my life to do.” Yet, for Grealish and Guardiola, the night underscored their fractured dynamic. Observers noted they stood at opposite ends of the VIP section, with no public interaction despite their shared passion for the band. “Jack was in full spirits, belting every word while Pep seemed to be more family-focused,” an onlooker remarked, capturing the divide. Reports suggest they had a “great night” individually, but the lack of connection spoke volumes about their professional rift.
Guardiola has denied that Grealish’s reduced playing time stems from off-field behavior, insisting, “The only reason he didn’t play minutes was me, not because he was incorrect or whatever.” He emphasized Grealish’s quality, calling him “an exceptional player,” but hinted that a move elsewhere could help him rediscover his form, stating, “He has to come back to play and have the butterflies in his stomach that he can play every three days.” These comments, made before the concert, reflect a pragmatic approach to squad management, prioritizing players like Jérémy Doku and Savinho, who have outshone Grealish in recent seasons.
As Oasis’ music echoed through Heaton Park, the night was a poignant reminder of Manchester’s unity and division. For Grealish, it was a chance to reaffirm his bond with City fans, even as his future remains uncertain. For Guardiola, it was a moment to bask in the city’s cultural heartbeat, yet the shadow of his decisions loomed large. As the band prepares for further shows at Wembley, Edinburgh, and Dublin, the question remains: will Grealish and Guardiola find harmony, or is their story, like Oasis’ lyrics, one of not looking back in anger?
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