Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini wants Emmanuel Adebayor to stop moaning about his lack of games and focus on performing when he does play.
That has proved not to be the case, although it does seem inevitable the former Arsenal star will leave Eastlands at some point.
However, with 10 games to play between now and the end of the festive programme, Mancini thinks Adebayor should be solely concerned with life at City.
"It is important for all the players to think about their job," said Mancini. "When they play, they must play well. Then we can see.
"The situation could change in January but no player is happy when they don't play.
"We have a lot of games to play in a short space of time and all the players are going to be playing this month."
Mancini will be without the suspended Pablo Zabaleta at Stoke on Saturday, so Micah Richards and Jerome Boateng could both be recalled.
Mario Balotelli is available after his three-match ban.
The Italy striker has still only played four times for the Blues since his high-profile move from Inter Milan in August.
He has scored three goals, picked up a troublesome knee injury and was sent off at West Brom earlier this month, which suggests Balotelli is going to be a charismatic presence at the blue camp.
"Mario is available but I still have to decide," added Mancini. "I also have Jo and Emmanuel Adebayor as well so maybe he will be on the bench."
