‘Y’all saying jealousy, but it isn’t’, ‘It’s more of a compliment’ – Man City Fans reacts to Mahrez’s comment on Grealish’s unusual start to life at Etihad

Riyad Mahrez has noted that Jack Grealish has enjoyed more early action than he did at the start of his Etihad Stadium career, which has prompted plenty of reactions from Manchester City Fans.

The Algerian was handed media duties ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Paris Saint-Germain – a homecoming that went so sensationally well for him last season – and rounded off his briefing with a question from L’Equipe’s correspondent.

Jack Grealish was the chosen subject for the French publication, with Mahrez’s views sought on how the England international had settled in at the Etihad Stadium following his £100million move from Aston Villa.

“Yeah, sure he’s fitting in well. He’s adapted to the way we play. I think the coach and the team are really helping him,” Mahrez said, before relating Grealish’s experience to his own when he joined City from Leicester three years ago.

“He’s playing in a lot of games, of course, which makes it easier to fit in. When I arrived, I didn’t play in all the games straight away.”

Mahrez’s decision to insert himself into the conversation in this way has prompted plenty of reactions. Here is what some Man City fans said in response on the social media platform.

Y'all saying jealousy, but it isn't. He is just saying that he didn't play right away because there were other players that were fit too on the RW. Now, look at our LW spot, who is that good as Grealish? That's right, no one

— TKY0 (@21Animsay) September 27, 2021

he's saying he took a while to adapt but grealish hasn't, its more of a compliment to jack imo

— AdiMCFC (@Mcfc_Adi_18) September 27, 2021

Is he actually crying he is literally complimenting Grealish on being able to start and adapt faster than him you lot just love to hate on Mahrez

— ًwest (@westmcfc) September 27, 2021

He may seem jealous to some, but he's actually pointing out the double standards by Pep, if you remember, this bald latter would bench Mahrez after he plays a great game for the sake of "rotation", he literally broke his rythm in a way that makes you feel it was intentional.

— Osama (@OsamaBodiaf) September 27, 2021

our fans disrespecting Mahrez in the replies and quotes is crazy because he is just complimenting Grealish for being able to adapt and start faster than him

— ًwest (@westmcfc) September 27, 2021

Grealish is a really significant plus point. If you compare him to similar signings – going way back to that great [Roberto] Mancini summer where they brought in Yaya Toure, [Mario] Balotelli, David Silva, James Milner, Riyad Mahrez, [Aleksandar] Kolarov.

Most players like Riyad Mahrez who is now a key player, took a season, a season-and-a-half for them to really click. But Grealish has come in from Villa with a big price tag and a big reputation and he instantly looks like the most dangerous player.

He’s played every minute in the premier league and it’s a credit to him. Don’t think you’ll do well to pick out a performance [this season] where Grealish didn’t have a good game.