Paul Gascoigne says Pep Guardiola should let Jack Grealish "do what he wants" on the pitch if he is to get the best out of the Manchester City star.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Grealish tipped to leave Manchester City this summer Left out of Club World Cup squad by Pep Guardiola Gazza says Grealish needs more freedomFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Grealish looks set to depart Manchester City this summer after falling out of favour under Pep Guardiola. The England international has been omitted from City's Club World Cup squad, while Guardiola has also suggested a summer exit may be for the best.
AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Napoli, Newcastle and Everton have since emerged as potential destinations for Grealish as he considers his future. Former England star Gascoigne has given his thoughts on the situation and feels he shares many similar qualities to Grealish. Gascoigne also says Guardiola should give Grealish the freedom to play his own game but also advised the 29-year-old to walk away if he not enjoying life at City.
WHAT GASCOIGNE SAID
Gascoigne, speaking exclusively to GOAL on behalf of , said: "I wonder if he had an argument with the manager because I've spoken to Jack after the England games a couple times, and he speaks to Katie [Davies, Gascoigne’s agent] a lot. He's got great character and he's like me. I think he likes to mess around. But when he starts, when he plays, he’s quality. Whether he is absolutely in love with Man City… If not, then I was him, I’d love to move. Because it doesn't seem like he's getting on with the manager. Just let him do what he wants.
"Terry Venables used to do the same thing with me, but it was brilliant 'cause Terry would say, give Gazza the ball, and you behind him and if you lost it, win it back and give it back to Gazza. I remember some of the players said, we’re doing your f*cking dirty work. Shut up, just get the ball and pass it to me. But that's it, Jack, he wants to be on the ball. Even if he loses it, he still wants it again."
GOALWHAT NEXT FOR GREALISH
Grealish has shared updates of his holiday while Manchester City are on Club World Cup duty as he enjoys a break. A summer exit does appear to be on the cards, although it's not clear yet where he will play his football next season.