Kevin De Bruyne feels criticism of Jack Grealish is “not about football” and is so intense only because he plays for England.
In 2021, Grealish transferred to Manchester City for a British transfer record of £100 million.
However, he hasn’t yet produced as much as he did at Aston Villa.
After Villa’s six goals and ten assists in 26 appearances in the Premier League in 2020–21.
Grealish only made three appearances during his first City season.
Although he did produce three goals and three assists.
The start of the 2022-23 season has been slow.
Although the England winger netted his first goal in Saturday’s 3-0 win at Wolves.
De Bruyne’s pass set up the early goal, and the City midfielder has defended his teammate, whose lifestyle has also come under scrutiny since joining Pep Guardiola’s squad.
De Bruyne said:
“It is not about football.
“Outside of football, the focus is more on [England players].
“I understand because they are English, and people tend to look more at what is happening.
“I feel like foreign players… for instance, if you have a night out, we don’t get checked that often.
“Whereas I feel if an English player goes out, it is always in the media.
“I think people are taking this on board, also.
“What he does in his private life, nobody should care, but people do.”
Grealish was Villa’s top chance maker and created 81 opportunities in his final season.
But only 53 the previous season, has a different position at City.
Additionally, De Bruyne notes that Grealish should have been given some time to adjust because of the divergent expectations of playing for the champions.
De Bruyne added:
“With all due respect, he was at Villa before, and if you lose a game, sometimes it is not the end of the world.
“But if we lose a game, it is different.
“We have to perform every week and win games. That is different and what he has had to adjust to.
“As long as we win the games and he is doing a good job for us, that is all that matters.”
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