Manchester, Feb 10 (NationPress) Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, praised Jack Grealish for his tenacity in navigating a challenging FA Cup match against League One team Leyton Orient, referring to him as a 'player from the street'.

City advanced to the fifth round of the competition after staging a comeback to win 2-1 at the Gaughan Group Stadium.

The match had the potential for an upset as the O’s struck first, with an enthusiastic crowd rallying behind their team. However, goals from Abdukodir Khusanov and Kevin De Bruyne ensured our place in the next round, with the draw set to take place on Monday.

Grealish assisted De Bruyne’s decisive goal, and Guardiola remarked that the winger possesses the instinct required to thrive in such matches.

“Both wingers have been remarkable; Savinho and Jack have been exceptional, creating numerous opportunities. I’m delighted for Jack. He embodies the essence of the street, a true street player. Many players, due to our fault - the manager - are overly academic,” Guardiola stated.

“Jack is one of those athletes who steps up to compete in these arenas when the crowd is roaring; he is a true fighter. I’m genuinely pleased because he didn’t play in recent matches due to Savinho’s impressive connection with Erling Haaland on the left side, yet this season is still wide open. I’m happy with his performance,” he added.

Grealish’s appearance was only his second start since Christmas, with fierce competition for a starting position against Savinho, Jermey Doku, and Phil Foden, all vying for the left flank this season.

Guardiola emphasized that team selections were never influenced by personal considerations, insisting that every player must fight for their place in the squad.

“I expect much more. This is the standard I want to see from Jack, but it hasn’t been consistent. Clubs introduce new players every season. We don’t possess the same squad that clinched the Treble or the 100 points. We have only three, four, five, or six key players - no more than that.

“New contracts do not enhance player performance. It’s the competition on the field and within the locker room that elevates players. They must recognize this and compete with Savinho, Doku, and Phil, who can also play in that position. He understands it’s never personal. Accept the challenge and demonstrate your worth.

“I glimpsed a spark; I will rebel and show the manager how mistaken he is. That’s the essence, and I love that. It’s about delivering performances, providing assists, and scoring goals for those upfront,” Guardiola concluded.