Jack Grealish is not starting for Manchester City because he is not producing, as Pep Guardiola challenged the winger to be more consistent in training.

Grealish has not started for City in three games, and has not managed back-to-back starts in the Premier League since September due to form and injury setbacks. In his place, Jeremy Doku, Matheus Nunes and now Savinho have had runs of form, with Grealish forced to watch from the bench.

The England man has struggled for consistency since joining City three-and-a-half years ago, finding form during the treble season as he was undroppable on the left-wing. But last season was a difficult one with injuries and this term has followed the same pattern.

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Savinho got a hat-trick of assists to make it nine for the season since signing from Girona, one more than Grealish has in the last two Premier League seasons combined. And Guardiola was asked on Saturday if Savinho's form was a challenge to Grealish, with the manager seemingly tired of waiting for his number ten to come back to form.

"It's easy. As much as he looks at himself, we will see the contention," Guardiola said. "He has to compete himself. Now Savinho is better shape and everything than Jack. That's why I'm playing Savinho."

Going further, Guardiola said Grealish must 'produce' and match Savinho's form if he wants to start, adding that he has 'fought' for Grealish in public and now wants to see a return.

"I want the Jack from the treble. I want it. But I try to be honest with myself," the manager continued. "What happened with Savinho's delivery in the box? It's higher than the other wingers. They have to fight. They can say it's unfair, okay, if they think that it's fine. They have to prove and fight with Savinho to deserve to play in that position. Every single day and every single week and every single month.

"I fought a lot for him, fought to be here, to 'come on, do it again'. I know he can do it. I saw him. It's not that I never see one player, or Jack or another one. I saw him and I saw his level and I want that level every training session and every game. If not, Savinho. Does anyone think he [Savinho] does not deserve to play? No, that's why he plays, because he produces."

Guardiola did offer Grealish some litigation, putting his inconsistency down to his consistent run of minor injuries that have stopped his flow. But as much as that is a valid excuse, the manager still wants Grealish to be offering more in games and take responsibility in his own performances.

Guardiola said: "He was injured again. Injured. Two weeks ago was injured. Injured. He needs rhythm and training and games. I don't have any doubts about the quality of Jack. He wouldn't be here. But they have to... right now today at 3pm [game day] do your best. Not about what you have done or will do. It's 3pm. The 90 minutes you have to play, the responsibility belongs to the players. Not to me.

"The 90 minutes is for them, I concede the responsibility. I can suggest but is for them. Before [training], here [press conference], after is my responsibility. They have to take it and deliver every game."