Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has opened up on his heated exchange with Jack Grealish on Sunday ahead of his side's Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
Grealish came off the bench at the Etihad Stadium during his side's goalless draw with Arsenal, with the defending champions unable to break the Gunners' resolve.
Yet the England international sparked fury from his manager, with Guardiola publicly berating Grealish on the field with the eyes of the world watching on.
Some have condemned the City boss for his antics, especially given Grealish's injury issues this season.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola has issued a sarcastic response to his heated exchange with Jack Grealish
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And Guardiola issues a sarcastic response when quizzed on the incident.
Critics, mainly on social media, have claimed the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss berates his own players to make himself look better.
Guardiola seems to be fully aware of this theory, having previously had a heated exchange with Erling Haaland earlier in the season.
And the City boss, speaking prior to his side's Premier League clash with Aston Villa, said: "I do it for the cameras and my ego.
"I need the cameras to sleep with incredible satisfaction.
"I always try to criticise players there and let them know how bad they are.
"Especially when Erling scores three, cameras have to be on me."
Grealish looked stunned at being lectured by Guardiola.
And it's currently unclear if the England international will start for the defending champions when they go up against former side Aston Villa on Wednesday.
Unai Emery has worked wonders at Villa this term, with the club currently fighting for Champions League football.
Guardiola has hailed his compatriot for the job he's done, admitting Villa have been 'very impressive'.
"[It's] excellent, the way they play. Unai Emery has consistency every season. They've been impressive," he admitted.
"It's no surprise, the quality of him, his management and the team.
"I haven't watched all their games but I think they'll play with the same system and ideas.
"They're good on set-pieces and in transition, with two quick players up front.
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Man City boss Pep Guardiola rowed with Jack Grealish following the club's goalless draw with Arsenal on Sunday
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"They have a strong backline and an exceptional goalkeeper. That's why they are where they are."
One player who has flourished for Villa is Douglas Luiz.
The midfielder previously left City back in 2019 and has established himself as one of the best players in his position in the top flight since his departure.
Guardiola, explaining the decision to let Luiz go, added: "Because of a [lack of] work permit, it was not possible [for him] to be with us.
"He had to make steps so he went [on loan] to Girona and now he's settled perfectly at Villa, so I'm happy for him."
Man City boss Pep Guardiola has hailed Unai Emery ahead of his side's Premier League clash with Aston Villa
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On his side's title chances, he continued: "It's just winning games, that's what we have to do.
"We have not many chances to drop points. Aston Villa are playing to qualify for the Champions League, every team plays for something, so the last few games will be difficult to manage.
"Our experience [of strong finishes] is over, it doesn't count. What counts is Aston Villa.
"Being able to win lots of games in a row before, I don't know how many [we can win] now. The only thing to think of is how to beat Aston Villa."
