Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued a stark warning to his Premier League stars: return from the Christmas break overweight and you will be left out of the squad. The famously meticulous coach has ordered his players to report for a weigh-in on Christmas Day itself.
The Festive Fitness Ultimatum
Guardiola, who flew to Barcelona on Sunday to be with his 94-year-old father, is determined to maintain his squad's physical edge during the busy festive period. After cancelling his players' request for a day off following their 3-0 victory over West Ham United – arguing their performance wasn't good enough – he has now scheduled the December 25th check.
'The moment they arrive after three days, I want to see how they come back,' Guardiola stated. He clarified his stance, saying, 'They can eat, but I want to control them.' The message is unequivocal: any player deemed to have indulged too much will face immediate consequences.
No Travel for the Heavyweights
The Spanish manager left no room for interpretation regarding the potential penalties. 'I have to make a selection for the 27th against Nottingham Forest,' he explained. 'Imagine a player who is perfect now but comes back three kilos heavier... He will stay in Manchester. He will not travel to Nottingham Forest. 10/10, for sure.'
This hardline approach is born from Guardiola's belief in the fine margins that decide titles. His obsession with physical conditioning during the hectic holiday schedule is a hallmark of his management, a philosophy that has delivered him six Premier League crowns.
A Squad in 'Perfect' Shape
Initial signs are positive for the City squad. After the first part of the weigh-in on Friday, Guardiola reported: 'Everything [was] perfect, in shape.' He pointed to the running of Phil Foden and Erling Haaland in training as evidence of the standards he demands, noting, 'I love it. Last season I didn't have that.'
However, the perfectionist coach insists that supreme fitness alone is not sufficient. 'One of the attributes of my team from when I started at Barcelona B until now is that we run like an animal,' he said. 'But it is not enough. We have to play better.'
The reigning champions moved top of the league temporarily on Saturday, only for Arsenal to reclaim first place with a narrow away win at Everton later that day. Guardiola's Christmas crackdown is a clear signal he will tolerate no complacency as his team hunts down another title.
