Pep Guardiola ‘to check’ players’ weight after Christmas | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has warned his Manchester City squad he will check their weight after Christmas, and anyone above their individual target will not travel to Nottingham Forest.

City beat West Ham 3-0 in matchweek 17 to move within two points of leaders Arsenal. The players have three days off before returning on 25 December, when Guardiola will weigh everyone, according to Reuters.

The Forest trip is set for Saturday 27 December at 13:30. The manager has set a specific weight for each player and is known for strict standards on diet and conditioning.

He said they can enjoy Christmas food but he intends to monitor any gains, adding that even a player otherwise in perfect shape who comes back three kilos heavier would stay in Manchester.

Guardiola’s stance is consistent with past comments, including criticism of Kalvin Phillips for returning from the 2022 World Cup over his target. He also underlined the value of giving days off in a packed schedule so players can decompress and arrive with fresh legs.

Source: L'Équipe