Benjamin Mendy has risked the wrath of Pep Guardiola ahead of a summer when the Manchester City manager plans to sign a top class left-back.
Mendy was filmed partying in a night club in the early hours of the morning before being due to attend a training session.
Guardiola was informed of the incident and on Tuesday said: “I would prefer him to go home earlier, but I don’t control the players in that situation. They are old enough to know what they have to do. I’m not his father.”
Mendy’s Etihad future is already the subject of uncertainty after two injury-plagued seasons and concerns over his attitude.
Guardiola was irritated by the Frenchman’s failure to turn up on time for treatment on a bruised metatarsal earlier in the season after attending an Anthony Joshua fight.
Doubts over Mendy’s long-term fitness have prompted Guardiola to decide to strengthen at left back in the summer, with Leicester’s Ben Chilwell a leading target.
This latest incident is unlikely to have gone down well, but Guardiola refused to publicly read the riot act to the 24-year-old.
He said: “(I’m) not frustrated. I’m a relaxed guy. It might not look like it, but I sleep quite well.”
Mendy is fit to face Cardiff on Wednesday when City can move back to the top of the table.
Guardiola admitted his frustration at seeing Liverpool score a dramatic late winner against Tottenham on Sunday.
“When you see them (score) you say ‘Ah s***’ - but nobody said it would be easy, nobody,” he said. “We knew it, I knew it. It is an incredible team to fight against them. Everybody is excited for what we are going to live in the next weeks.”
