Micah Richards has warned Phil Foden and Jack Grealish they might not get their place back in Manchester City’s team if they step out of line again.
The pair were punished by Pep Guardiola after being pictured on a night out after the 7-0 win over Leeds United last week, leading to them being dropped to the bench against Newcastle.
The City boss confirmed the decision wasn’t based on rotation, rather due to their behaviour off it, with reports suggesting City staff were ‘unimpressed’ with the condition of Foden and Grealish when they reported for a recovery session after the Leeds win.
Neither player were called from the bench at St James’ Park, and former City defender Richards has warned the pair against getting on their manager’s bad side again.
“I think he (Guardiola) was just trying to hammer home the point that you’ve got to behave,” Richards told the BBC’s Monday Night Club.
“This is a period where Man City go on their little bit of a run, he needs all of his members fit and healthy, and it was just a little message to say ‘don’t take your eye off the ball’.
“You know what happens at Man City. Look at Bernardo Silva, he looked like he was going to leave and now he’s the main man of the team.
“If you go out of that team by taking your eye off the ball, you might not get your place back. It was just a little warning, just be careful.”
Richards also lauded City’s form as they opened up a three-point gap at the top of the Premier League on Sunday.
“When people doubt them, I say ‘just wait, just relax’,” Richards added.
“Do they need a striker? It doesn’t matter who they play. Yes they could have a striker for a different dynamic sometimes, but they didn’t even get out of second gear against Newcastle.
“They got very lucky with one of the decisions on Fraser, I’ll give them that, but Man City are just coasting now. It doesn’t matter who plays.
“Kyle Walker wasn’t even available, Foden and Grealish were on the bench. They’re just playing excellent football, and long may it continue.”
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