PEP GUARDIOLA has warned Jack Grealish and Phil Foden over their off-field behavior – after they were taken out for a trip to Newcastle.
Manchester City bosses are understood to have been unhappy with the situation the England pair reported for training after Tuesday’s night out after playing 7-0 against Leeds.
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Both were unused subs in Sunday’s 4-0 win – despite shining during a 7-0 romp against Leeds on 14 December.
Grealish and Foden are understood to have gone out together after Tuesday night’s win.
Guardiola and the club are reported to have been unhappy with the situation after they took part in a recovery session on Wednesday.
The city boss has repeatedly asked its stars to be extra careful during the festive period due to the dangers of COVID.
Asked why he made changes against Toon, boss Pep said: “It was not a rotation, no. I decided on this team because they deserved to play – these guys and not others.
“At Christmas I pay a lot of attention to behavior on and off the pitch. And when it’s not fair off the pitch, they’re not going to play.
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“At Christmas we have to be focused all the time because of the distractions and everything that happens. You still have to focus.”
Guardiola did not directly name the England pair – but they were two of three changes made at Tyneside.
The other was centre-back John Stones who filled in right-back against Leeds but made way for the returning Joao Cancello.
There is no suggestion that the Stones were out with their Three Lions teammates.
Guardiola was absent from training on Wednesday as he headed to Barcelona with former striker Sergio Aguero as he announced his retirement.
He left his coaching staff in charge and the players playing against Leeds were due for a warm-down. Grealish is believed to have not attended that session.
Guardiola himself faced a Covid scare on Friday when he returned an inconclusive test – before eventually being cleared to return.
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