Guardiola reminds Man City of responsibilities after Grealish-Foden nightclub incident

Pep Guardiola has reminded his Manchester City players of their responsibilities after Jack Grealish and Phil Foden were pictured on a night out.

Earlier this week, photographs were published in the Telegraph showing the unmasked England duo believed to be at a nightclub posing for selfies with fans following City’s 7-0 rout of Leeds United. 

The pair, whose condition when they reported for a recovery session the following day reportedly angered club staff, were dropped to the bench during last weekend’s 4-0 win over Newcastle United.

Guardiola said after the game the changes were made due to behavioural issues off the pitch, though he did not specifically refer to Grealish and Foden.

The club has issued guidelines for their players and staff to follow in light of the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in England, but it is unclear whether the midfielders broke any rules.

Addressing the media ahead of his side’s scheduled clash with Leicester City on Boxing Day, Guardiola said: “They are not rules, I’m not police. They are old enough to know what they have to do.

“We are not alone in the world, we are living with people. Being careful, we are exposed. Just be careful, that’s all.

“In this career, the work on and off the pitch is so important. The managers, too, we have to live for the profession – all the time.

“Otherwise, there are guys who live every second in the profession, they sustain for longer. This message I give to them six years ago, and many times [since].

“You have to prepare, there are a lot of players who live this way, that’s why we are consistent.”