'Cameras have to be on me' - Pep Guardiola sarcastically admits berating Man City players helps him 'sleep with incredible satisfaction' after on-pitch Jack Grealish tirade

Immediately after the final whistle against Arsenal at Etihad Stadium last weekend, cameras captured Guardiola engaged in a passionate discussion with substitute Grealish, who came on for Mateo Kovacic in the 61st minute. While the exact nature of the conversation remains unclear, it was evident that Guardiola was expressing his discontent with Grealish's performance on the pitch after seeing City held to a 0-0 draw, as he animatedly used his hands to prove his point to the England international, who kept nodding his head in affirmation.

Guardiola's public dressing down drew criticism from pundits, with Richard Keys among those to express his frustration at the spectacle seemingly being played out for the cameras.

The beIN SPORTS presenter said: "Save it for the dressing room! It’s all for the cameras, isn’t it? It’s so tiresome! Go down the tunnel! He shouldn’t even be on the pitch… Urghhh – and then he’s got to go and tell everybody else what they did wrong of course.”

In response to a question about his interaction with Grealish, Guardiola offered a sarcastic retort: "I need the cameras to go to sleep with incredible satisfaction. I always try to criticise the players there and let them know how bad they are. Especially when Erling [Haaland] scores three goals, the cameras have to be on me."

This is not the first time Guardiola has been observed admonishing his players on the pitch. In August 2023, during a Premier League fixture against Burnley, he had a heated exchange with Erling Haaland right after the half-time whistle, despite the striker scoring a brace in the first half. The Norwegian soaked it all in with a straight face as he kept walking towards the Turf Moor tunnel before Guardiola shoved the cameraman away.

Guardiola's strong approach to man-management continues to be a subject of debate, with opinions divided on his public displays of criticism. Looking ahead, Guardiola will be eager to refocus his team as they prepare to face Aston Villa in the Premier League, aiming to return to winning ways.