The touchline spat between Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini and his Argentinean striker Carlos Tevez captured many headlines throughout this week.

While the Italian coach insists that Tevez refused to come in as a substitute during City’s Champions League clash against Bayern Munich on Tuesday, Tevez is saying that he did no such thing. His suspension by the club means that City believe the manager, rather than the player.

The episode once again has raised many questions on players’ professionalism. It is understandable that Tevez is not happy with his situation in Manchester. All throughout summer, there was talk of him leaving the club, but by the end of the transfer market no deal had been reached.

There is no doubt that Tevez wants to end this chapter of his career, and the latest incident is yet another confirmation that it is pointless for clubs to try to hang on to their stars if their mind is elsewhere. Having said this, Tevez is still being paid handsomely and should therefore behave like a professional player.

It is clear that the arrival of Dzeko and Aguero in Manchester has not been welcome news for Tevez, who has found himself relegated to the bench. But rather than sulk, he should work harder to try to regain his place, rather than refuse to play as a substitute.

It is a pity that sometimes players choose to shoot themselves in the foot by behaving so strangely and against their own interests too. They should understand that they are considered as being role models – and pampered ones at that – and therefore any misguided action, considering the kind of salaries they enjoy, is frowned upon by football fans.

It must be remembered that Tevez was one of the most loved players at City, having arrived from rivals Manchester United, and immediately playing a crucial part in lifting up City to the top places of the English premier league. The situation seems to have radically changed, both because Manchester City made it clear that Tevez is no longer considered as a first-team choice, but also because the player himself has not shied away from expressing his desire to seek pastures new.

Tevez’s only hope now is that a club will require his services in the January transfer window, and that a deal is reached with Manchester City for a move elsewhere. Naturally, since Tevez is still under contract, City want to make some money from the transfer.

Until then, City and Tevez have to live with each other like a divorced couple still under the same roof.