Pep Guardiola gave his Manchester City squad permission to party with Italian Instagram models following last weekend’s win at Aston Villa.
The City manager revealed he took no issue with revelry after the trip to Villa Park as 22 women flew into the £150-a-night Mere Golf Resort in Knutsford.
The team bonding session was organised by fixers close to the club and Guardiola encourages his players to spend time together away from training.
‘I knew it. When they have time, they make a lot of times dinners together, with the staff,’ Guardiola said.
‘They did it many times anyway. And I like it when they are together outside here, the do it sometimes at home, sometimes in a restaurant as was the case. It was nice.’
City head into Saturday’s clash with Crystal Palace looking for a 10th victory in 11 games since the derby defeat by Manchester United last month.
The Premier League champions have scored 15 goals in their opening four matches since New Year. Players were given two days off earlier in the week, with some opting for short breaks abroad.
Guardiola, who celebrated his 49th birthday on Saturday, shut down questions on the future of John Stones and admitted he cannot imagine still managing at 72 like his opposite number Roy Hodgson.
‘I think when you are training at 74 it must be boring at home!’ Guardiola joked. ‘You are with young people, athletes. That’s why it’s nice, our job, every game is different. That’s maybe the reason why Roy and older managers are still in charge and they do it.
‘I think the important thing when you retire is to know you want to do other things. If you’ve no interests and you are at home then you are going to back. But if you want to travel or do other things… I’m interested in doing other things and I’m going to do it.’