Sources: Pep Guardiola ‘not happy’ with Jack Grealish after Man City behind-the-scenes brawl
Pep Guardiola is unhappy with Jack Grealish’s behaviour as the Champions League clash between Man City and Atletico Madrid clash descended into anarchy, Football Insider understands.
Grealish was caught up in a melee on the pitch in the dying seconds of the heated fixture, with former City defender Stefan Savic grabbing his hair after he mouthed what appeared to be a four-letter insult at him from the £100million record signing.
The duo continued to exchange words and remonstrate with one another as they entered the tunnel and footage has emerged online of a fracas between members of both camps.
A City source has told Football Insider that Guardiola does not want any type of ill discipline or provocative behaviour at the club.
Although the manager saw Diego Simeone’s hyper-aggressive Atletico side as the main aggressors on the night, he felt Grealish’s conduct did not help matters.
He did not publicly comment on the fracas but is said to be “unhappy” with the former Villa star behind the scenes.
The battle at the Wanda Metropolitano ended 0-0 on the night, with City progressing to the semi-finals for only the third time in their history thanks to their 1-0 win in the first leg.
Grealish netted in City’s next match after the Champions League ding-dong, the 3-2 defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final yesterday (16 April).
But, as revealed by this site earlier this month (1 April), City have grown increasingly frustrated by his sub-par output this season.
It is also understood that the 20-time England international has complained behind the scenes about not having enough of the ball.
Guardiola publicly outed Grealish and teammate Phil Foden back in December after the pair visited a nightclub before reporting to training the following day in less than optimum condition
His strike against Liverpool was only his fifth goal in 33 games this season, and he has also contributed just three assists.
In other news, pundit suggests Man City closing in on Fernandinho replacement after Sky reveal.