The Manchester City player that Andree Jeglertz says will be “key” to their future | OneFootball

Grace Clinton (Manchester City)

Manchester City boss Andree Jeglertz says that Grace Clinton will be a key part of his side for seasons to come.

Since signing from Manchester United on transfer deadline day, the midfielder has struggled with fitness – most recently with what was described as “a minor injury” that kept her out of the England camp last month.

She made her return to action last weekend against Everton, coming on for the last ten minutes.

But ahead of Saturday’s Manchester derby, Jeglertz told journalists that Clinton had stayed positive despite the setbacks.

“I know she’s been ups and down in her mood and that is natural,” he said, “but I think that every day when she’s coming to the training session, she is there to show what kind of football player she is and she’s working very hard to become better, to – now after her injury – also to get fully fit, to be ready to play the games.

“So unfortunately it is like this, that the players that go through injuries and a little bit of setbacks and so on – that makes them stronger and it would be the same for Grace.

“In a couple of months when she has gone through this period of changing club and everything, she’s going to be a much better football player and also be more resilient to setbacks because she has been there.”

“Grace Clinton is a great player”

Jeglertz added that such problems were inevitable in the life of a footballer – but he went on to explain that he also had an additional responsibility, to make sure Clinton understands that he has faith in her.

“It’s tough, but I think she’s dealing with it in a very good way, communicating a lot. I think that’s an important part frrom my side also, to never stop believing in her, because I think she’s a great player.

“She will be very important for us already this year but also in the future. 

“I need to encourage her to just keep on working, and the time will come when she’s going to be there, the key player for us that she will be.”

City host United at the Etihad on Saturday, 15th November.