Manchester City’s Squad to Face Christmas Day Weigh-In, Pep Guardiola Warns of Consequences

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Manchester City

manager Pep Guardiola has announced that his squad will undergo a weigh-in on Christmas Day, with a stern warning that players who report back heavy will not be selected for the team’s upcoming match against Nottingham Forest. This move is part of Guardiola’s relentless approach to maintaining his team’s physical condition, particularly during the busy festive period.

Guardiola’s Motivation

Guardiola’s decision to implement a weigh-in on Christmas Day is driven by his desire to maintain the high standards of fitness that have contributed to his team’s success. As he explained, “The moment they arrive after three days, I want to see how they come back. They can eat, but I want to control them.” Guardiola is acutely aware of the fine margins between success and failure in the Premier League, and he is determined to ensure that his players are in top condition to compete.

Consequences for Overweight Players

Guardiola has made it clear that players who report back heavy will face consequences, including being left behind for the match against Nottingham Forest. As he emphasized, “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. 10/10, that’s for sure.” This warning serves as a reminder to the players of the importance of maintaining their physical condition and adhering to Guardiola’s expectations.

Implications for Manchester City’s Season

The weigh-in on Christmas Day is part of a broader strategy to maintain Manchester City’s competitive edge during the busy festive period. As Guardiola’s team temporarily went top of the league before Arsenal wrestled back control, the stakes are high. Guardiola’s focus on conditioning and fitness will be crucial in determining the team’s success in the coming weeks.

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