Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has announced that his players will be weighed when they return to training after the Christmas break to ensure they are fit for the Premier League match against Nottingham Forest on 27 December.
Guardiola disclosed this after City’s 3–0 victory over West Ham on Saturday, their final fixture before Christmas. He said the squad met required fitness standards before that match and will undergo the same checks when training resumes next week.
“The moment they arrive after three days off, I want to see how they come back. They can eat, but I want to control them,” the 54-year-old said.
“If one player arrives three kilos heavier, he will stay in Manchester and not travel to Nottingham Forest.”
The City boss is known for his strict stance on player fitness. In 2016, he sidelined some players from first-team training until they met weight targets.
Read Also: Ahmed Musa Retires from Super Eagles After 15 Years
Former City defender Gael Clichy has previously revealed that Guardiola discouraged players from eating pizza, certain juices, and heavy foods.
Guardiola also referenced his past comments on Kalvin Phillips, for which he later apologised after describing the midfielder as overweight following the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
City currently sit two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, who defeated Everton 1–0 on Saturday. After facing Forest, City will travel to Sunderland on New Year’s Day.
Despite the win over West Ham, Guardiola said performance levels were not satisfactory, insisting the squad must improve.
“The players asked for Sunday off and I said no, because they didn’t play well enough,” he said.
“Sunday is recovery, training for those who didn’t play, then three days off and two days to prepare for Nottingham Forest.”
Guardiola, however, stressed the importance of rest during the festive period, noting that time off helps players return refreshed despite the congested schedule.
