Grealish Admits Difficulties In Man City Adaptation

Grealish became English football’s first £100m player when he transferred from Aston Villa in the summer.

The 26-year-old has had a below-par start at the Premier League leaders by his high standards, registering just three goals and three assists in 20 appearances across all competitions thus far.

Grealish and Manchester City teammate Phil Foden incurred the wrath of manager Pep Guardiola this week when they were dropped for the win at Newcastle United for going on a night out.

Grealish says the standards at Manchester City are so high, making his adaptation a bit difficult.

"I've done okay so far. I've got so much more to give. It's been so much more difficult than I thought it was going to be," the former Villa captain told Sky Sports.

"I'm still learning and adapting. I've heard some people take a year to adapt here so maybe it will be the same for me. I want to score more and set up more goals next year.

"It's crazy because the standards here are so high on and off the pitch. It's unbelievable and it's why they have been so successful over the years.

"Having a £100m price tag means when you are going through a dry patch people ask if you are worth the money - where are his goals, where are his assists? I understand that, but I have to see it as a privilege that the club wanted to spend that much money on me and I hope I can repay them with goals and trophies.

"Playing in the Champions League is completely different to the Premier League - I had never played in Europe before, and I really wanted to. It's unbelievable to hear the Champions League anthem, it makes you pinch yourself. It's one trophy the players here really want to win."