by Pep Guardiola insisted that he had no problem with Jack Grenish taking advantage of an evening – but warned that he had to deliver on the ground for Manchester City.
Photos emerged this week from the English international apparently visiting a certain number of sites in the Northeast – including a social club where he would have bought drinks for residents – last weekend.
Grealish does not break any club rule, the team having had two days off after the victory of the Cup of the FA Cup on Saturday against Plymouth.
However, the stories led some to question the professionalism of 29 years in the midst of what was a difficult campaign both for him and for the team.
But the director of the city, Guardiola, said: “They know what they have to do.
“One day off is a day off, there is no training. They have a privacy to do what they want. I will not control what they do in their privacy.
“I judge what I see on the field, the training sessions and the performances of the game. This is where I judge the players.
Guardiola gave Grealish only 14 departures in all competitions this season.
Fitness problems were a factor, but the player signed for 100 million pounds sterling four years ago seems to have dropped from the hierarchical order.
Guardiola said: “I want Jack to his best, of course, but he had setbacks and did not play.
“It was sometimes for injuries, he couldn’t get the pace you need to be ready every three days.
“Jack played the last game very well and I hope he can be consistent.”
Grealish was abandoned by England for Euro 2024 and its continuous lack of high -level action could affect its chances of impressing the new boss Thomas Tuchel while the World Cup qualification campaign begins.
Guardiola hopes that he will be able to reverse the situation, but offers no guarantee of a series of games and suggested decisions would be made on his future – as for all players – in summer.
He said: “I understand all the frustrations of all my players.
“It’s so good to have a dream of playing in the World Cup and the European Cup with your national team. I would be worried if it was otherwise.
“What’s going on in terms of Jack, in terms of everyone, they will be treated at the end of the season. Now we play for many important things for the club.
“He is a player for Man City, there is no doubt about it. What will happen? I don’t know what’s going to happen.
City, having fallen from the image of the title after triumphs of the Premier League with successive four, this season is found to aim for the relatively modest target of a place among the first four.
Currently fourth, they go to the third Nottingham forest for a crucial match on Saturday, and Grealland is in the running to start.
“Yes, he’s ready,” said Guardiola. “He had seven days and everyone is in good shape.”
