Jack Grealish makes ‘nightmare’ admission after sealing another Man City exit

Jack Grealish has opened up on his relationship with David Moyes after returning to Everton on loan for a second consecutive season.

The 30-year-old has again left Manchester City after it became clear that regular first-team opportunities would be difficult to secure.

Grealish spent last season on loan at Everton and impressed before injury disrupted his campaign. With his City contract due to expire next summer, the England international has now returned to Merseyside hoping to rebuild his career under a manager he believes knows how to get the best from him.

Despite joking about occasionally being difficult to manage, Grealish says he has developed a strong connection with Moyes.

“I get on really well with him,” Grealish told Sky Sports. “He’d probably tell you, sometimes he’d probably say: ‘Jack’s a nightmare,’ but we have this really good connection.”

For Grealish, that relationship is particularly important because he believes his best football has traditionally come when he has shared a strong bond with his manager.

“When I get on really well with a manager, it makes you want to do more for them,” he explained. “It makes you want to give everything for them, play well and succeed for them.”

Grealish highlighted Tim Sherwood, Steve Bruce and Dean Smith as previous managers with whom he enjoyed similar relationships, revealing that he remains in contact with all three.

Grealish scored twice during his first Everton loan spell before injury brought his season to a premature end.

Aston Villa and Sunderland were among the clubs reportedly interested in him this summer, but the winger ultimately decided that returning to Moyes and Everton represented his preferred option.

His arrival also came during a hectic conclusion to Everton's transfer window.

Iliman Ndiaye departed for Manchester City in a £65million move, while Everton were unable to complete deals for the additional striker they wanted. A proposed £40m transfer for Monaco forward Folarin Balogun collapsed, while an attempt to bring Richarlison back from Tottenham was also unsuccessful.

That potentially increases the importance of getting Grealish firing again.

There have already been encouraging signs.

Grealish came off the bench as Everton fought back to secure a 2-2 draw against Manchester United on Sunday, immediately providing Moyes with another creative option.

After several difficult years in which his role at Manchester City gradually diminished, another season at Everton provides Grealish with something he desperately needs: regular football and a manager he trusts.

The priority for Grealish is now to stay fit and turn his positive relationship with Moyes into consistent performances.

With his Manchester City contract approaching its final months, this season could also have major implications for the next stage of his career.

Everton already know what Grealish can provide when fit. If Moyes can restore the confidence and consistency that defined his best years at Aston Villa, his second spell at the club could become far more than another temporary escape from Manchester City.