Maresca Puts Grealish on Notice: Earn It or Exit?

Enzo Maresca isn't handing out sympathy minutes. After Jack Grealish made his long-awaited return to Manchester City's colors in Sunday's Community Shield defeat, the City boss made it crystal clear: playing time is earned, not gifted.

Grealish replaced Jérémy Doku at half-time with City already 2-0 down in a 3-0 loss to Arsenal — his first appearance for the club in over a year. But the occasion wasn't enough to spark a comeback, and Maresca's post-match words were measured rather than emotional.

"Jack came on when we were already 2-0 down so the game had already become complicated," Maresca said. "But overall, I think Jack was good. The ones that are still here are gonna work every day, and if they deserve it, they're going to get minutes."

Open Door?

When reporters pushed Maresca on Grealish's future, the response was as vague as it was telling. "At the moment, the transfer window is open and we'll see what happens."

That's not a ringing endorsement. That's a stay-tuned.

Grealish's career has been a rollercoaster since he joined City in 2021 for a then-record British transfer fee. He was a key figure in the Treble-winning 2022-23 campaign, but the magic has faded since. Last season, he tried to reboot at Everton on loan, racking up four assists in his first four games before a foot stress fracture cut his campaign short in January.

Now back in Manchester after more than a year away, Grealish finds himself in a squad where no name is safe. With the transfer window still open and City's spending plans far from finished, the next few weeks could decide where his future really lies.

For now, the ball is in Grealish's court. If he wants minutes, he'll have to deserve them. If not, the door is open.