The England international has recently returned to form after suffering an injury during the August win at Sheffield United.
Having been a key player in last season’s historic Treble, Grealish has developed a close connection with his team-mates and City’s fans at the Etihad and beyond.
As a winger who very rarely loses possession, the 28-year-old sometimes has to suffer rough treatment from opposing defenders.
While Guardiola would like Grealish to avoid responding to fouls, he doesn’t want his No.10 to change his character too much.
Injury update ahead of Chelsea match
“Sometimes he reacts. I’d like him to react less. It’s not easy. He’s emotional in a good sense,” said Guardiola.
“He’s one of the most beloved guys in the locker room. He’s a strong guy and enjoys physical contact. He’s so brave. It’s his game.
“We are really pleased with him in the last games and his mentality in training sessions. First year and last year especially was decisive. Every year he gets better.
“In terms of the community and how he takes care of the kids too.
“He always stops to write signatures and he has good connections out of the bubble professional people live.
“He’s down to earth and I love working with him. He’s so sensible and close to his family. We love him so much.”
Our victory over Young Boys earlier this week saw the Blues go a full 90 minutes without conceding a shot on our goal.
Having only let in eight goals in 11 games City have the tightest defence in the Premier League ahead of this Sunday’s trip to Chelsea.
CHELSEA V CITY | MATCH PREVIEW
Guardiola credits his defenders with having the dedication required to put their bodies on the line, but he also recognises the work of the entire team to keep opponents away from our goal.
“I have a feeling we now have a defence who enjoys defending,” he stated.
“When you see Ruben [Dias], John [Stones], Kyle [Walker], Nathan [Ake], Josko [Gvardiol] all defenders they enjoy defending. They enjoy blocking shots. We have many. They know how important it is.
“We beat Young Boys and we did not concede a shot. After you concede chances, you concede goals.
“When you don’t concede that is the best proof. This starts with Erling.”
Sunday’s match at Stamford Bridge will see us face Cole Palmer for the first time since his summer move from City.
Our Academy graduate has adapted quickly to life under Mauricio Pochettino and looks likely to start this weekend.
He joined former City man Raheem Sterling in Chelsea’s squad and Guardiola is glad to see the pair enjoying their football.
“I’m going to see how they are and how they play,” he said about his research ahead of Sunday’s match.
“They move from here because they want to play. Since Raheem left he has always played, Cole too. They made good decisions.”
MAN CITY APP COVERAGE
Our official app allows you to follow all of the action from one place.
Minute-by-minute text updates will begin in our Matchday Centre two hours before kick-off, while our Matchday Live show will begin at 15:30 (UK).
We will have guests on the latest Matchday Live show, offering their expert insight before, during and after the action.
They will also answer viewer questions throughout the broadcast, with audience participation actively encouraged on Matchday Live. To get in touch, send a WhatsApp to: +447537186538.
During the game you can also listen to live audio commentary from Alistair Mann while our text commentary continues.
Make sure to have push notifications turned on as well, so you can be alerted to key moments in the action, including goals, red cards and the team news.
Highlights from the match, as well as a full-match replay [available on CITY+] can be accessed from midnight.
