Kevin De Bruyne feels criticism of Jack Grealish is “not about football” and is so intense solely as a result of he performs for England.
Grealish joined Manchester City in a £100million British-record switch in 2021 however has not but produced the identical output as he had at Aston Villa.
After six targets and 10 assists in 26 Premier League video games for Villa in 2020-21, Grealish contributed solely three targets and three assists in the identical variety of appearances in his debut City marketing campaign.
The begin to the 2022-23 season has once more been gradual, though the England winger netted his first purpose in Saturday’s 3-0 win at Wolves.
De Bruyne’s cross teed up that early opener, and the City midfielder has come to the defence of his team-mate, whose life-style has additionally been scrutinised since signing for Pep Guardiola’s aspect.
“It is not about football,” De Bruyne stated. “Outside of soccer, the main focus is extra on [England players].
“I perceive as a result of they’re English and folks are likely to look extra what is occurring.
“I really feel like international gamers… as an illustration, you probably have an evening out, we don’t actually get checked that always. Whereas I really feel if an English participant goes out, it’s at all times within the media someplace.
“I think people are taking this on board, also. What he does in his private life, he does, nobody should care, but people do.”
Ahhh man that felt good nice win going into the worldwide break! Away followers had been unbelievable P:S thanks @KevinDeBruyne about time pic.twitter.com/13szVVyUNq
— Jack Grealish (@JackGrealish) September 17, 2022
Grealish has a unique function at City, having been Villa’s chief creator, crafting 81 probabilities in his last season at his boyhood membership however solely 53 final yr.
And De Bruyne additionally factors on the market are contrasting expectations taking part in for the champions, that means Grealish ought to have been given time to adapt.
“With all due respect, he was at Villa before, and if you lose a game, sometimes it is not the end of the world,” De Bruyne added. “But if we lose a sport, it’s completely different.
“We must carry out each week and win video games. That is completely different and what he has needed to alter to.
“As long as we win the games and he is doing a good job for us, that is all that matters.”
Discussion about this post