Posted: 11:46, September 22, 2022 | Updated: 12:33, September 22, 2022
Graeme Souness has told Jack Grealish to stop being “precious” and insists he has “no problem with anybody” after the England international attacked the Sportsmail columnist.
After Souness claimed Grealish was ‘not learning fast’ and had not improved since his £100m move to Manchester City from Aston Villa last year, the forward replied: ‘I don’t know what his problem is with me. He always says things about me.
“I try not to read too much into it. It’s difficult when it’s on Sky Sports and it’s all around the pitch at times. He was obviously a great player and won a lot, but I don’t know what he’s saying about me or what’s wrong with him.”
Sportsmail columnist Graeme Souness insists he has ‘no problem with anyone’ after Jack Grealish (R) asked why he is criticized so often
Appearing on talkSPORT, Souness continued the war of words but said he would probably get on well with Grealish if he met the 27-year-old.
The pundit also commented on the criticism he has received in the past for being too harsh on former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.
“I don’t have a problem with him, I don’t have a problem with anybody,” Souness said. I have no problem with Jack. I think Jack is a good player, technically he is fantastic. I don’t think we can be critical of the modern player.
“When I went to Paul Pogba, it was because it was Manchester United and I think I was the first to say Pogba was an average player in our league. I think at the end of the day I was proven to be 100 percent right.
Souness also hit back at criticism he received for describing Paul Pogba as ‘average’
“I’m sure if I met Jack, I’d really like Jack. I think he’s a cheeky brat. I would like to have an evening with him! But I just think the modern player doesn’t take criticism very well. I think Jack, you’ll hear who you want to hear.
“I’m on talkSPORT with you, which I love. I have a column with the Daily Mail where I get to express my opinion and I’m on Sky. I have over 50 years in the game, I think I am entitled to an opinion.
“I just feel… don’t be so precious! I have absolutely no vendetta with anyone. This is my opinion of Jack Grealish at the moment. Jack really doesn’t need to listen to me, he doesn’t need to listen to anyone. The only opinion that counts about Jack Grealish should be the manager’s.”
Grealish scored his first goal of the season against Wolves last weekend after only managing to score three times in the Premier League on his debut as a City player.
Souness extended his criticism of Grealish’s style of play as he believes the striker holds onto the ball for too long.
Ex-Liverpool boss tells ex-Aston Villa man not to be ‘precious’ over criticism
Souness praised Grealish’s dribbling ability but believes he holds the ball for too long
He has dribbling ability that very few people have and that kind of ability takes you to the edge of your seat. But you have to deliver it at the end of it. It’s not just about dribbling after one, two and then giving it away when trying to tackle the third.
“If you’re in an 11-man squad and you have two strikers, the other nine are just carriers. They are there to serve the two guys up front, they are the ones who get the goals, get the points and win you the games.
“Everyone else on the team is there to serve them. The best way to serve them is to get the ball to them as quickly and accurately as you can. Don’t dwell on it unnecessarily, don’t be smart when you don’t have to. This is the game of football in a nutshell.
“I can’t believe that any manager anywhere will tell his players to hold the ball as long as they can. Anywhere, anytime in the history of professional gaming. The best pass in football is the first time.’
