GREALISH NEEDS TO GROW UP QUICKLY – ROBERTO
JACK GREALISH needs to grow up – and quickly – according to Villa boss Roberto Di Matteo, who confirmed the club were investigating reports of the winger’s involvement in an all-night party.
Grealish, who has made eight appearances in the Championship this season, is alleged to have thrown a party in a Birmingham hotel last weekend after Villa’s draw with Ipswich.
The 21-year-old, who signed a new four-year deal at Villa Park this month, was last year warned by former boss Tim Sherwood after being pictured inhaling nitrous oxide.
This time, West Midlands Police confirmed they attended the Park Regis Hotel at 7.45am on Sunday after other guests complained about a “rowdy party”, though no arrests were made.
Grealish is yet to be fined or disciplined, but Di Matteo was not shy in dishing out some advice to his young star.
“Unfortunately, it has happened again,” he said. “We expect our players to behave in a professional manner at all times. It is something we don’t tolerate.
“It’s important he understands what he has, and he needs to grow up very quickly.
“It (the investigation) is still ongoing. It’s a timing issue and we want to get it right.
“It’s not the first time and he needs to understand that, if he wants a good career, he has to stop.”
Villa have won only one of their first eight league games, but Di Matteo is confident all is not lost in such a competitive league.
“It seems quite balanced – any team can beat any team,” he added.
“You can see it with the results over the weekend.
“It doesn’t look like anyone will run away with the Championship this season, which makes it exciting for fans.”