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Guardiola Warns Manchester City Players: No Extra Pounds Allowed at Christmas
After a comfortable win over West Ham, Pep Guardiola made it clear: rest days won’t mean relaxation, and standards remain high—even over the holidays.
Manchester City secured a straightforward 3-0 victory over West Ham at the Etihad Stadium, but Guardiola refused to let the mood slip into complacency.
For the manager, the result was no excuse for easing standards. Even during a period traditionally associated with rest and celebration, discipline remains non-negotiable.
No Leniency During the Holidays
Guardiola revealed that some players requested a day off after the match—a request he rejected immediately.
“They asked for a day off the next day, and I said no, because they didn’t play well enough,” he explained.
Instead, the squad reported for training, a clear signal of the expectations that would follow.
Christmas Weigh-Ins and Full Oversight
The most pointed part of Guardiola’s message came with the physical monitoring. The team will return to Etihad Campus on December 25 for weigh-ins after a few days off.
“Everything was perfect at the last check, but when they come back on the 25th, we’ll weigh them again. I want to see how they return after three days,” Guardiola stated.
The manager will personally oversee any weight changes.
Clear Consequences for Non-Compliance
This is not just a warning. Guardiola made it clear that there will be sporting consequences for those who don’t meet the standards.
“If a player comes back three kilos heavier, they stay in Manchester. They won’t travel to Nottingham Forest,” he warned.
It’s not an empty threat—players like Kalvin Phillips have faced similar measures in the past for letting their weight slip.
With Manchester City just two points behind Arsenal in the Premier League and chasing the title they lost to Liverpool in 2024-25, Guardiola is determined to avoid any distractions.
For him, Christmas isn’t a break—it’s another test of commitment and professionalism.
