Enzo Maresca opted not to close the door for Jack Grealish at Manchester City after his return to the club. Grealish has been at the City Football Academy doing further rehabilitation on the injury that cut short his loan at Everton.
It remains likely that the former Aston Villa star has played his last match for the Blues, having been told last summer that he would not be part of Pep Guardiola's plans. The forward was pointedly left out of the squad for the Club World Cup in the United States as City looked to move on from a disappointing campaign and leave Grealish in the past.
Loan spell and injury
He secured a loan to Everton for last season and was well received on Merseyside despite a few frustrating displays under David Moyes before a serious injury ended his campaign early. The 30-year-old has been working hard at the City Football Academy to try and get himself ready for the new season, wherever he plays his football.
That will continue over the next fortnight, and Maresca was more positive than he could have been when asked about Grealish. Having worked with him during the 2022/23 season when City got the most they have out of the player, the new manager suggested he will work with him while he remains at the club.
Maresca's stance
"At the moment, he's here. He's a Man City player," Maresca said. "I always said the same. In any club I join, I like to know if there are players that belong to the club. It's my duty to try to coach them. Jack is here. I have a good relation with Jack since I left. Also, we keep in touch, and the reason why is because he has a big heart and he's a very good guy. So this is the reason why. And then we see what happens."
