Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has delivered a blunt festive ultimatum to his squad, warning that any player returning from the short Christmas break out of condition will be omitted from the crucial Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest.
The Festive Fitness Ultimatum
In a move highlighting his relentless standards, Guardiola has instituted mandatory post-Christmas weigh-ins for his entire squad. The Spanish tactician confirmed that every player will be weighed upon their return to training on Thursday 25 December. He explicitly stated that any individual deemed to have returned "fatty" or carrying excess weight will not travel for the match at the City Ground on Friday 27 December.
Guardiola's warning came despite his team's 3-0 victory over West Ham United on Saturday, a result that secured their fifth consecutive league win and briefly sent them to the top of the table. Dissatisfied with the performance level, he even refused the players' request for a day off after the match, insisting on a Sunday recovery session instead.
A Balance Between Rest and Responsibility
While laying down the law on fitness, Guardiola also emphasised the importance of mental refreshment during the hectic schedule. He acknowledged that this period marks the first break since the November international window without a midweek fixture, presenting a rare opportunity for players to spend time with their families.
"The players have to go with the families and forget football. It's good," Guardiola said. "For them to see the manager every day – that's so tough!" He himself plans to travel to Barcelona to visit his father, quipping about enjoying "champagne" during the brief hiatus.
Performance Concerns Despite Victory
The manager's strict stance stems from his critique of the display against West Ham, which he felt was below par despite the comfortable scoreline. "The players asked me to take a day off. I said, 'No because you didn't play good enough'," he revealed.
He elaborated on his philosophy, stating: "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 was quick to add that he currently sees the squad's fitness as "everything perfect," indicating his primary concern is the technical and tactical level.
The coming days will now see City's stars walking a tightrope, aiming to enjoy a traditional Christmas while adhering to their manager's exacting physical demands. The outcome of those festive period choices will be starkly visible on the scales and, ultimately, in the team sheet for the Nottingham Forest fixture.
