Pep Guardiola hints at shock Jack Grealish position change as Man City boss confirms injury blows

Pep Guardiola admitted Jack Grealish could have a permanent role as a No.10 in his Manchester City side.

The England international rose to prominence playing in that position during his time at boyhood club Aston Villa but has largely operated out on the left since joining the Premier League champions in the summer of 2021.

Grealish, however, is more than capable in that role and starred playing there during England’s Nations League win over the Republic of Ireland back in September.

Guardiola changed things around after a nightmare run of seven games without a victory and saw his side record a much-needed 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night.

Bernardo Silva opened the scoring within the opening eight minutes before Kevin De Bruyne doubled City’s advantage 30 minutes in. Jeremy Doku would add a third in the second half as the champions stopped the rot.

The City boss was delighted with Grealish’s display in the No.10 position and even hinted the 29-year-old could have a future in holding midfield.

“We control the game, and Jack gave us that pace,” he said.

“When to accelerate and control, he did it really good. I’m so happy for him.

“I know his quality. He has attributes to play holding midfield, keep the ball, break the lines and composure.”

Guardiola also confirmed that Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji had suffered injuries and were likely to miss Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace.

“Nathan doesn’t look good,” he said.

“We’ll see tomorrow. Manu for last two months or so has struggled a lot.

“I can just thank them for the effort they do to play in the positions that are not natural.

“We’ll see in three days what happens. I’m sad for Nathan and Manu. We’ll see. Manu, maybe not Selhurst Park but in two games. Nathan I think will be out.”

Phil Foden missed the Forest game with bronchitis.