Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has insisted he will judge his players by their performances “on the pitch” in response to images shared online of Jack Grealish out drinking on his recent day off.
The Man City attacker was pictured in different establishments on Sunday, a day after featuring in Man City’s 3-1 FA Cup win over Plymouth Argyle.
Grealish was seen out in Manchester and the North East, including a social club in Washington where he put £500 behind the bar to pay for the locals’ drinks.
After the images were widely shared on social media, Guardiola was clear in his answer when asked about Grealish’s day off in Friday’s pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s away meeting with Nottingham Forest.
© Imago
Guardiola responds to Grealish images
“A day off is a day off,” Guardiola told reporters. “They have private lives to do whatever they want. I’m not going to control what they do in their private life.
“I judge what I see on the pitch, the training sessions and the performances in the game.”
Grealish may have started the FA Cup win over Plymouth, but he found regular starting opportunities hard to come by this season.
In fact, the 29-year-old has started just six of his 16 Premier League appearances this season, leading to speculation that he could leave in the summer to gain regular playing time with a view to staking a claim to be in the England squad for the 2026 World Cup.
© Imago
Guardiola addresses Grealish’s Man City future
Guardiola was unable to offer any guarantees as to whether the former Aston Villa man would still be at the Etihad Stadium for next season.
“I understand all the frustrations of all my players,” the Man City boss said. “It’s so good to have a dream to play in the World Cup and the European Cup with his national team. I’m not bothered by that.
“What happens in terms of Jack, in terms of everyone, they will be treated at the end of the season. But now we are playing for many important things for the club.
“I want the best not just for Jack but for everyone. He is a player for Man City. What will happen? I don’t know what is going to happen.”
Grealish has a contract with Man City until the summer of 2027, but Man City could be open to offers in the summer transfer window.
A departure could suit both parties as Grealish looks to secure regular game time, while Man City will likely bring in reinforcements to continue the rebuild they started in the winter market.
