Pep Guardiola to leave UK after Manchester City manager refuses player request and makes strict demand
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola put his squad on the scales ahead of the festive period, issuing a stark warning about the dangers of Christmas excess.
The Spanish manager has told his players anyone returning from the brief holiday break in poor physical condition will be left out of the squad for their upcoming Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest.
This directive comes despite the Sky Blues securing a convincing 3-0 triumph against West Ham on Saturday, their fifth consecutive league win.
The result briefly lifted them to the top of the table and maintained pressure on leaders Arsenal, although Guardiola remained dissatisfied with his team’s overall display.
Following the Hammers victory, Guardiola denied his squad a rest day, ensuring his message about fitness standards was fully understood.
Nevertheless, the City manager emphasised the importance of allowing his players quality time with loved ones during the Christmas period.
This week marks the first occasion since November’s international break that the club has been without a midweek match commitment.
Guardiola himself intends to make the most of the gap in the schedule, travelling to Barcelona to spend time with his father.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola put his squad on the scales ahead of the festive period
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PA
The squad will need to return in peak condition ahead of their clash at the City Ground.
Guardiola said: “The players asked me to take a day off. I said, ‘No because you didn’t play good enough’.
“So Sunday recovery, train the guys that didn’t play, and after three days off they have two days to prepare for Nottingham Forest.
“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.”
Pep Guardiola has told his players that anyone returning from the brief holiday break in poor physical condition will be left out of the squad
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PA
He added: “The moment they arrive after three days I want to see how they come back. They can eat but I want to control them.
“I have to make a selection for (December) 27 against Nottingham Forest.
“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.”
Guardiola did point out he currently saw “everything perfect” in terms of fitness, and it was other aspects of the display against the Hammers that bothered him.
Following the West Ham victory, Guardiola denied his squad request of a rest day
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PA
He said: “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.” Next week I have holidays, being with family and with champagne.
“I’ve learned from England, since I arrived, as much days (where you can) have a day off, you give them.
“The schedule is so tight and the players have to forget. The more they arrive in the right moment (the better). The moment of the game they will be fresh in the legs.
“The players have to go with the families and forget football. It’s good. For them to see the manager every day – that’s so tough!”
