"I didn't say anything bad or out of the ordinary" - Manchester City star responds to Pep Guardiola's recent comments about him
Manchester City attacker Julian Alvarez has responded to Pep Guardiola's comments and is adamant that he meant no harm by saying he would consider his future. The young forward is currently away on international duty with Argentina at the Olympic Games in Paris.
Alvarez's future is the hot topic of speculation amid suggestions he wants to leave the Etihad. The 24-year-old clarified previous comments that Guardiola touched on (via Argentine journalist Gaston Edul):
"I heard what Pep said. I didn't say anything bad or out of the ordinary. I always said that I am comfortable at Manchester City but taking stock after the season is something logical."
Guardiola appeared to take umbrage with Alvarez, highlighting his issues with a lack of a consistent starting role at City. This is despite starting 31 of 38 league games last season. His Spanish coach said:
"He said he’d think about it. When he’s finished, his agent calls Txiki and we see what happens. I know he wants to play important moments but the other ones do too. Okay, think about it and tell us. He plays a lot, he wants more? That’s fine."
Alvarez has four years left on his contract but faces an uncertain future. City have reportedly slapped a €90 million (€70 million plus €20 million in add-ons) price tag on him.
Stewart Robson advises Manchester City to sell Jack Grealish ahead of Julian Alvarez
Stewart Robson has told Manchester City boss Guardiola he should sell Jack Grealish ahead of Alvarez. The former Arsenal midfielder turned pundit told ESPN:
"If you are Manchester City, you look at Jack Grealish, who has done nothing. I watched him in the last two games. He doesn’t go past anybody, doesn’t affect the games."
Grealish, 28, had a difficult past season, plagued by injury issues and a lack of form. He managed three goals and three assists in 36 games across competitions. Alvarez flourished with 19 goals and 13 assists in 54 games across competitions.
Robson added:
"I just don’t think he affects games. Alvarez affects games. And if you are looking to sell one of the players that doesn’t play regularly, Jack Grealish would be the player you would have to sell rather than Alvarez."
Grealish was a mainstay in Guardiola's Manchester City XI before last season. Jeremy Doku arrived and came in and out of the starting XI on the left wing. Alvarez played as a second striker, in attacking midfield and up top for the Cityzens.