Manchester City has implemented a weigh-in for its players on Christmas Day, highlighting the club’s focus on fitness during the festive season. Manager Pep Guardiola emphasized the importance of maintaining optimal weight and warned that players who return with excess pounds may face consequences.
Following a decisive 3-0 victory against West Ham, City continues to apply pressure on league leaders Arsenal. Guardiola, who has celebrated six league titles with the club, revealed that players would be monitored for weight changes following a short break.
Guardiola stated, “Every player makes a weight. They come back on the 25th, and I will be there controlling how many kilos come up.” He stressed the significance of discipline, indicating that those who return overweight would not participate in the upcoming match against Nottingham Forest.
The manager noted, “Imagine one player who is perfect arriving with three kilos more. He will stay in Manchester,” illustrating his commitment to the team’s fitness standards. Despite the holiday season, Guardiola acknowledged the importance of relaxation for his players while managing their physical condition, particularly with a busy schedule ahead.
He encouraged players to spend time with their families, stating, “The more they arrive in the right moment, the better. The moment of the game, they will be fresh in the legs.” However, the manager’s exacting nature was evident as he denied his players a day off following their recent win, expressing dissatisfaction with their performance.
“They asked me to take a day off. I said, ‘No because you didn’t play good enough,'” Guardiola explained. Instead, he set a recovery day for his squad, focusing on those who did not play in the match, before allowing three days off to recharge before facing Nottingham Forest.