JACK'S BACK

City star banishes his blues

- KEITH WEBSTER

PEP GUARDIOLA declared he likes the new-look tough guy in Jack Grealish – despite Manchester City losing a penalty shoot-out against Barcelona.

The Premier League champions continued their pre-season in a hot and humid Orlando, where they drew 2-2 with Barca before going down 4-1 on penalties.

Grealish (above), who had a tough job holding down a starting place last season, had been challenged by manager Guardiola to raise his game, with the new Premier League campaign just over two weeks away.

And he did just that with a commanding 84-minute performance that included a smart finish to pull City level for a second time.

“He was aggressive,” said an enthusiastic Guardiola.

“I know in controlling the ball he is good, but he made four or five shots.