Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has risked upsetting his squad by flatly refusing their request for a Christmas holiday, issuing a stark warning about weight and fitness ahead of a crucial Premier League fixture.
No Festive Indulgence Allowed
Despite securing a comfortable 3-0 victory over West Ham United on Saturday, which marked their fifth consecutive league win, Guardiola was left unimpressed by the performance level. His dissatisfaction led him to deny the players' appeal for a day off following the match, insisting they report for recovery sessions instead.
The Spaniard has laid down a strict ultimatum for the short festive period, telling his squad that any player who returns from the break "out of condition" will not be selected for the trip to face Nottingham Forest on December 27. The team has been granted three days off, but Guardiola plans to be waiting for them upon their return on Christmas Day.
"I Will Be There Controlling"
Guardiola outlined his rigorous plans in clear terms. "Every player makes a weight. They come back on the 25th and I will be there controlling how many kilos come up, (to see if) they come fatty," he stated. He emphasised that while players are free to enjoy themselves, he must oversee their condition to make his selection for the Forest game.
"The moment they arrive after three days I want to see how they come back," Guardiola explained. "Imagine one player and now he’s perfect but he will arrive with three kilos more. He will (stay) in Manchester. He will not travel to Nottingham Forest."
Performance, Not Just Fitness, Under Scrutiny
Interestingly, Guardiola clarified that his current concern is not primarily about physical conditioning, which he described as "everything perfect." His frustration stemmed from the quality of play against West Ham, even in a convincing win that temporarily took City top of the table, putting pressure on leaders Arsenal.
"The problem is not running. One of the attributes of my teams since I started in Barcelona B until now is that we run like an animal, but it’s not enough. We have to play better," he admitted.
Nevertheless, the manager acknowledged the importance of the mental break. This is the first midweek without a match since the November international window, and Guardiola himself is heading to Barcelona to visit his father. He believes time with family is crucial in the relentless schedule.
"The players have to go with the families and forget football. It’s good," he said. "For them to see the manager every day – that’s so tough!"
Guardiola's approach highlights the relentless standards at the Etihad, where even a dominant victory and the festive season are no excuse for any drop in professional discipline.
