Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued a stark warning to his squad ahead of the Christmas break, ordering a mandatory weigh-in on Christmas Day. The strict fitness check will determine who travels for the crucial Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest on December 27th.
The Festive Fitness Ultimatum
Guardiola, renowned for his relentless standards, has made it clear that any player who returns from the three-day break carrying excess weight will be left behind. "I have to make a selection for the 27th against Nottingham Forest," Guardiola stated. "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. 10/10, that's for sure."
This hardline approach follows his decision to cancel the players' request for a day off after their 3-0 victory over West Ham United, a win he felt was not convincing enough. Guardiola, who flew to Barcelona to visit his 94-year-old father on Sunday, emphasised his intent to closely monitor his squad's condition. "The moment they arrive after three days I want to see how they come back," he said, adding, "They can eat, but I want to control them."
Guardiola's Relentless Drive for Perfection
The Catalan coach's obsession with marginal gains has been a cornerstone of his success, guiding City to six Premier League titles. He remains acutely aware of the fine margins in a tight title race, with City having briefly gone top on Saturday before Arsenal reclaimed the summit.
Guardiola reported that an initial weigh-in on Friday showed his players were in perfect condition, praising their physical output in the West Ham match. "You see how they run today? The problem is not running... One of the attributes of my team was since I started in Barcelona B team until now is that we run like an animal," he observed. However, he insisted that sheer effort is insufficient, demanding his team must also "play better."
Implications for the Busy Festive Schedule
This public ultimatum underscores the intense pressure and professionalism required at the highest level of football, especially during the demanding festive fixture schedule. By linking selection directly to a player's discipline during a short break, Guardiola is ensuring that the pursuit of a historic seventh Premier League crown under his leadership takes precedence over any festive indulgence.
The message to his star-studded squad is unequivocal: maintaining peak physical condition is non-negotiable, and the price for slipping below his exacting standards is immediate exclusion from a vital league match.
