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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has warned his players that anyone who returns from the short Christmas break out of shape will not be considered for the club’s next Premier League match against Nottingham Forest.
The City boss, a six-time league title winner at the Etihad Stadium, is renowned for his strict standards and revealed that players were weighed before leaving for the festive break.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Guardiola stressed that fitness levels would be closely monitored when the squad reconvenes, making it clear that players who return overweight will be excluded from the squad for the December 27 fixture.
“On the 25th, I will be there controlling how many kilos come up,” Guardiola said.
“They come fatty… listen, I didn’t say one word today to make them feel bad. This is the truth.
“The moment they arrive after three days, I want to see how they come back.
“They can eat at Christmas, but I want to control them. I have to make a selection for the 27th against Nottingham Forest.
“Imagine one player who is now perfect arrives with three kilos more — he will stay in Manchester. He won’t travel to Nottingham Forest, that’s for sure.”
Guardiola’s comments underline his no-nonsense approach as Manchester City aim to maintain peak fitness and consistency during the demanding festive schedule.
