Pep Guardiola mocks Jack Grealish for reaching the latter stages of a quick-thinking game in pre-season - as the Spaniard expresses his surprise at the Man City star's success

Man City boss Pep Guardiola made a light-hearted dig at Jack Grealish during his side's pre-season tour of the US.

Like several other Premier League teams, City have made the trip across the pond as they continue preparations ahead of the new campaign.

They narrowly lost 4-3 to Celtic on Tuesday, but face further friendlies against AC Milan, Barcelona and Chelsea before kicking off their season with the Community Shield against arch-rivals Man United on August 10.

And, as they continued their preparations ahead of Saturday's clash with AC Milan in New York, Guardiola put his players through their paces on the training pitch .

But, to mix things up, he also tested their minds with a quick-thinking game.

During it, players' reactions were tested as they had to clap as the City boss bounced the ball on the ground, with the brutal game seeing plenty of stars quickly crash out.

As it headed into its final stages, just a few players were remaining, one of which was Grealish and the winger and Guardiola had a hilarious exchange. 

Looking around, the Spaniard quizzically said: 'Jack, you are here?', before Grealish replied: 'Brainy, brainy,' much to the amusement of the rest of the squad.

Guardiola then added: 'I didn't expect.'

Despite his promising start, Grealish would unfortuantely soon crash out and not quite make it to the end of the game.

The 28-year-old is one of bigger names on City's US tour after being left out of England's Euro 2024 squad.

Mail Sport previously reported how Grealish has been working hard this summer in order to get his mojo back after struggling for form and fitness last season.

The winger undertook several punishing session with his personal trainer in the Algarve, while he also skipped the boozy parties he has become associated with.