“Every player has a weight limit. They come back on the 25th, and I’ll be there monitoring how many kilos they come back with, (to see if) they come back overweight,” Guardiola remarked, known for his strict approach to diet and fitness.
“The moment they arrive after three days, I want to see how they return. They can indulge a bit, but I need to keep them in check. I have to make a selection for the match on December 27 against Nottingham Forest.
“Imagine one player who is in shape, but he arrives with three kilos extra. He will (stay) in Manchester. He will not travel to Nottingham Forest.”
Earlier in 2023, Guardiola criticized midfielder Kavin Phillips for coming back from the 2022 World Cup over the designated weight limit.
“Next week I have holidays, spending time with family and enjoying champagne,” the Spaniard told reporters.
“I’ve learned since arriving in England that whenever possible, you give days off. The schedule is very tight, and the players need to unwind.
“During the game, they will be fresh on their legs. Players should spend time with their families and disconnect from football. It’s beneficial. Seeing the manager every day is quite demanding!”
City currently sits two points behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League table and recently triumphed over West Ham United with a commanding 3-0 victory.
First Published: Dec 22, 2025 7:23 PM IST
