Stuart Pearce Blames Jack Grealish for Performance Struggles at Man City

Jack Grealish’s tenure at Manchester City has hit a turbulent patch, with the English winger’s limited playing time and diminishing impact sparking intense debate about his future at the Etihad Stadium. Former Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce has placed the blame squarely on Grealish himself, arguing that the 29-year-old must rediscover the dynamic, fearless style that defined his days at Aston Villa to revive his career. “Does Jack Grealish need to move away from City? 100 per cent he does. He’s sat on the bench too often. He’s not playing football which must be hard as he’s one who loves to play,” Pearce stated, emphasizing the need for Grealish to rekindle his attacking flair. “He’s got to rekindle some of the forthright Jack Grealish play that we saw at Aston Villa, picking the ball up, driving at defenders.”

Grealish, who joined Manchester City in 2021 for a record-breaking £100 million, the highest fee ever paid for a British player, has struggled to cement a starting role under Pep Guardiola. In the 2024/25 Premier League season, he made just 20 appearances, starting only 10, and scored a solitary goal. Injuries, including a nagging hamstring issue, and tactical misfits have seen him fall behind Jeremy Doku in the pecking order on the left flank. The arrival of Rayan Cherki and the expected rise of Oscar Bobb have further clouded his prospects, as Guardiola seeks more directness and unpredictability in attack. “And when you’re on that pitch, you’ve got to deliver performances to make sure you stay in the team,” Pearce insisted, reflecting on his own playing career. “As a player, I would always point the finger at myself if my performances weren’t good enough.”

The winger’s struggles have fueled speculation about a potential move, with clubs like West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, and even Serie A champions Napoli monitoring his situation. Everton was briefly linked, given Grealish’s preference to stay in northern England, but sources have since downplayed the possibility. A loan move remains an option, though Manchester City’s willingness to let him go hinges on suitable offers. Grealish’s desire to secure a spot in England’s 2026 World Cup squad adds urgency to his situation, as consistent minutes are critical to catching the eye of incoming Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel.

Despite the challenges, a glimmer of hope emerged from an unexpected encounter. Grealish and Guardiola reportedly shared a “brief but warm” chat at an Oasis concert at Heaton Park, sparking speculation that the player might yet fight for his place at City. Guardiola, known for his faith in players who show hunger and adaptability, could offer Grealish a lifeline if he can rediscover his form. However, Pearce’s critique suggests a deeper issue: Grealish’s shift to safer, less impactful play. At Aston Villa, he was a talisman, scoring twice and providing three assists in a single 7-2 thrashing of Liverpool in 2020. In contrast, his cautious approach at City has drawn criticism, with pundits like Graeme Souness previously noting his lack of end product.

External factors can’t be ignored. City’s stacked squad, with stars like Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne commanding key roles, limits opportunities for players like Grealish. Guardiola’s system, which demands tactical precision, may not fully suit the winger’s free-spirited style. Yet, Pearce’s perspective as a former City manager, who once navigated the club through financial turmoil, carries weight. He led City to a UEFA Cup qualification push in 2005, a stark contrast to their current dominance, and understands the pressure to perform. “When I was Manchester City manager, I was acutely aware of the financial situation of the football club,” Pearce once said, reflecting on the need for players to step up in tough times.

Grealish’s teammates have defended him in the past. Kevin De Bruyne called him an “easy target” for media scrutiny, while İlkay Gündoğan described him as “so misunderstood.” These endorsements highlight Grealish’s value as a team player, evident in his assist for Riyad Mahrez in a 2023 Champions League tie against RB Leipzig, where he was lauded as “impossible to play against” by Rio Ferdinand. Still, with the transfer window open until late August 2025, Grealish faces a pivotal moment. A return to his Villa-esque swagger could secure his City future or attract a new club, but as Pearce suggests, the onus is on Grealish to reignite his spark and prove his worth on one of football’s biggest stages.[](https://bvmsports.com/2025/08/03/stuart-pearce-blames-jack-grealish-for-performance-struggles-at-man-city/)[](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/manchester-city/news/former-man-city-boss-jack-grealish-downfall/451c1c85839aef6f82693fe9)[](https://cityxtra.co.uk/32240/former-manchester-city-manager-points-blame-at-jack-grealish-for-etihad-stadium-decline/)