Pep Guardiola has sent a clear message to his Manchester City squad ahead of the festive period.
The City boss has warned that any player who returns overweight after Christmas will be dropped.
Straight after Saturday’s comfortable Premier League win over West Ham United, Guardiola doubled down on discipline.
Instead of granting a rest day, he kept his players at work to underline his expectations.
City players will enjoy a short three-day break.
However, the Spanish tactician made it clear that accountability begins the moment they return on Christmas Day.
Those who fail the manager’s weight check will not be selected for the upcoming trip to Nottingham Forest.
In fact, Guardiola insists such players will not even travel with the squad.
“The players asked me to take a day off,” the gaffer said. 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.”
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.”
With the Premier League schedule relentless, Guardiola’s stance highlights his demand for peak fitness at all times.
As the Cityzens chase consistency during the busy festive run, the message from the manager is simple.
Professional standards come first, even at Christmas.
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