Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola seems to be increasingly annoyed by Jack Grealish’s off-field activities.
The £100 million player was photographed at the North Biddick Social Club in the North East on Sunday night, appearing to have a good time.
Reportedly, he spent at least £500 at the bar for the local patrons of the club, which calls itself “Washington’s No 1 entertainment venue”.
Last month, he was also seen leaving a fancy restaurant in London at the same time as an unknown blonde woman, joking, “She’s not with me!”
Guardiola maintains that he is okay with his players having their own personal lives when they are not working.
When questioned about Grealish’s night out near Sunderland, he responded sharply: “He’s so famous. People follow him. Nothing to comment.”
The Manchester City manager hinted that while players can enjoy their free time, their performance on the field is what truly matters.
Regarding his players’ behavior in their free time, he stated: “They know their responsibilities.
“A day off is a day off, no training. They have personal lives and can do what they wish. I won’t dictate their private lives.”
“My judgment is based on what I see on the field, in training, and during games.”
Guardiola’s team selections for Grealish, who will turn 30 in September, suggest that he is not completely satisfied with the player’s contributions.
City are set to play against Nottingham Forest on Saturday in a match important for both teams’ Champions League qualification hopes for next season.
Grealish played well in a central midfield position in their previous encounter on December 4, which City won 3-0.
However, when reminded of this, Guardiola curtly replied: “That was a long time ago.”
Since that game, Grealish has only started in one Premier League match, a 2–1 loss against Aston Villa, his former club.
Pep previously apologized to Grealish for limited playing time a month ago, citing strong performances from Jeremy Doku and Savinho as reasons.
He further explained: “Savinho is currently performing better than Jack, which is why he is playing.
“You might see it as unfair, and that’s okay, but players need to compete with Savinho every day, every week, every month to earn their place.”
Guardiola’s patience with Grealish seems to be diminishing.
He emphasized: “I want Jack to be at his peak. But he has faced setbacks and hasn’t played consistently.
“This has been due to injuries at times, preventing him from building the necessary rhythm for consistent performance every few days.”
Grealish did start in their recent 3-1 FA Cup victory over Plymouth last Saturday, but it was as part of a completely changed lineup.
Although Guardiola confirms Grealish is fit for the Forest game after a week’s rest, a starting position is not guaranteed.
Grealish’s decreased performance this season, with only two goals in 26 appearances, puts his place in the England squad under new manager Thomas Tuchel at risk.
Tuchel’s first squad announcement for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia is scheduled for Thursday.
Guardiola commented: “I want the best for everyone, not just Jack.
“Jack performed very well in the last match, and I hope he can maintain consistency. I understand the frustrations of all my players.
“It’s great that he dreams of playing in the World Cup with his national team. I have no issue with that.”
“Regarding Jack and everyone else, their situations will be addressed at the end of the season, but currently, we are focused on achieving important goals.”
In other news, Guardiola confirmed that defender Nathan Ake will be out for the remainder of the season due to foot surgery and is in a race to recover for the Club World Cup this summer.
