Jack Grealish mocked by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola after making radical changes in pre-season

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has brutally mocked Jack Grealish during a quick training drill.

Grealish and his City team-mates are currently in the United States as part of their pre-season preparations.

The reigning Premier League champions suffered a surprise 4-3 defeat to Celtic in the first game of their tour of the United States.

And it was before the game against the Scottish giants that Grealish felt the full wrath of Guardiola's spirit.

As part of the mentally stimulating workout, City's players were instructed to clap their hands every time Guardiola – who was standing in the middle of a circle – bounced his ball.

But if a player clapped his hands too early, he was eliminated from the game.

Much to the surprise of his City team-mates and manager Guardiola, Grealish kept his cool and reached the latter stages of the competition.

Shocked by the forward's resilience, Guardiola joked during a behind-the-scenes video released by City: “Jack… you're here!”

Grealish immediately responded by commenting: “Intellectual.” A pat on the back for his quick wit during the match.

But his response did not stop Guardiola from hitting back once more, with the Catalan adding: “I didn't expect that. [you to make it this far].”

Guardiola's prejudice was proven correct moments later when Grealish applauded too early, causing him to miss out on glory in the mini-training drill.

It comes ahead of a big campaign for Grealish, whose up-and-down 2023/24 season has seen him left out of Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad.

Dismayed by the decision, Grealish appears to have put in the work during the off-season, with some reports suggesting he has given up the party life in an attempt to get back into the City and England starting XI.

Grealish is said to have spent the summer putting in extra effort on the training pitch, in contrast to his usual antics during pre-season parties.

Grealish also announced that he and long-term partner Sasha Attwood are expecting their first baby together, with the £100million star appearing to accept the life-changing reality of what parenthood will bring.

Instead of photos taken on party islands in Europe or late nights lounging in Las Vegas, Grealish's summer holiday this year consisted of a picturesque poolside getaway with friends and family.

The former Aston Villa player will have another chance to impress Guardiola, this time with the ball, when City take on AC Milan in their next pre-season friendly this weekend.

The Blues then have just two pre-season outings remaining before they return to Wembley for a Community Shield match against rivals Manchester United.