Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola mentioned before the Champions League match against Young Boys that "midfielder Jack Grealish must seize any opportunity to return to the starting lineup amidst healthy competition within the team." Grealish suffered a leg injury during the victory over Sheffield United last August, which kept him out of two matches last month. Since his return, the England international has struggled for playing time, starting from the bench in City's last four Premier League matches.
Guardiola told reporters before Wednesday's match in Bern: "I have no doubts about Jack's abilities and quality and what he has done for us since he arrived two years ago, especially last season. He just needs to regain his rhythm. He is not like (Phil) Foden or Bernardo (Silva), both of whom need two or three training sessions to be ready. He is incredibly focused on returning, and we will use him and believe he will help us."
City will look to maintain a perfect winning streak in Group G of the Champions League when they face Swiss side Young Boys, but the European champions will have to contend with an artificial turf pitch at the Wankdorf Stadium. Guardiola stated that City traveled to Switzerland earlier than usual to acclimatize to the pitch, adding, "UEFA allows (matches) to be played here because it is in good condition." He continued, "That's why we travel in the morning, so the players feel how the ball moves side to side and back and forth. That's why we're trying this, and the players will know that right away."
