Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has warned his players that they will undergo strict weight checks when they return from their Christmas break, as he aims to ensure they are in peak physical condition ahead of their Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest on December 27.
City concluded their pre-Christmas fixtures with a 3-0 victory over West Ham on Saturday, but Guardiola emphasized that discipline regarding fitness remains non-negotiable during the festive period. He revealed that players were weighed before the West Ham match and met the required standards, and similar checks will be conducted when they resume training next week.
“When they arrive after three days off, I want to see how they come back. They can eat, but I want to control them. If a player comes back with three kilos more, he will stay in Manchester. He will not travel to Nottingham Forest,” Guardiola stated firmly.
Known for his rigorous approach to conditioning, Guardiola has previously excluded players from first-team training until they met fitness targets. Former City defender Gael Clichy recalled Guardiola advising players to avoid pizza, juice, and other heavy foods.
The manager has also publicly addressed fitness issues, once apologizing to midfielder Kalvin Phillips after describing him as “overweight” following the 2022 World Cup.
Despite the comfortable win against West Ham, Guardiola admitted he was not fully satisfied with his team’s performance. When players requested Sunday off, he denied the request, insisting on a training session instead. “They asked for Sunday off, and I said no, because they didn’t play well enough. Sunday recovery, train the guys that didn’t play, and then after three days off, they have two days to prepare for Nottingham Forest,” he explained.
Manchester City currently sit two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal and will face Nottingham Forest before traveling to Sunderland on New Year’s Day.
Guardiola expressed no major concerns about his squad’s fitness or work rate but acknowledged the need for improvement. “We have to play better,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of allowing players time with their families during the demanding schedule. “I’ve learned in England that as many days off as you can give, you give them. The calendar is so tight, and players need to switch off. When it’s time to play, they will be fresh,” Guardiola added.
This strict fitness regime underscores Guardiola’s commitment to maintaining Manchester City’s competitive edge during the crucial stages of the Premier League season.
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