IT’S JOKE GREALISH
Agent slams Gareth handling of his ace
JACK GREALISH’S agent has slammed Gareth Southgate’s treatment of his man after he was hooked during England’s drab draw against Hungary.
And along with the majority of the football-watching country Jonathan Barnett, his long-term representative and chairman of the ICM Stellar Group, confessed to being mystified by England boss Southgate’s decision to substitute him during the midweek World Cup qualifier.
The hurt on £100million man Grealish’s face after his removal as he sat above the dugout was there for all to see.
Barnett (right) said: “He really loves playing for England. He is very proud of it.
“It was a mystery why he was subbed.
It’s strange but maybe Southgate doesn’t think he fits into his type of team. He appears to have got into the England team by default. “Southgate is manager but in my opinion Jack is the best in the country in that position. “He’s one of the few who will put bums on seats. People go along to watch him. I think Pep Guardiola and Manchester City are good judges. For them to lay out that sort of money, I think they know what they are doing. “I don’t think you have seen the best of him yet. He could become one of the best players in the world.
“Most of the people watching all said the same thing, he was the best player against Hungary.” Anyone looking for clues that there could be off-thefield issues clouding the Three Lions boss’s judgment over Grealish are heading in the wrong direction, says Barnett. He added: “He’s a really nice lad and comes from a lovely family. He’s been well guided by his parents.”
Barnett also spoke about another client, Gareth Bale, revealing talks over the Real Madrid star’s future are planned in the coming months.
There has been talk of Bale retiring next summer when his contract ends.
But there’s no chance of that if Wales qualify for the World Cup finals.
“It’s a dream for him to play in the World Cup finals with Wales,” Barnett added. “That’s the most important thing for him I believe.”
Jonathan Barnett was talking to the Old Spice Boys podcast out on Apple and Spotify and on Twitter
@theoldspiceboys.