Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has warned his players that any Christmas excess will come at a cost, insisting those who return overweight will not feature against Nottingham Forest this weekend.
City’s squad have been given three days away from football over the festive period, but Guardiola made it clear that players’ conditioning will be closely monitored when they return on Christmas Day.
Pep Guardiola is conducting weight checks to make sure his players don't return 'fatty' from their Christmas break ⚖️
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) December 21, 2025
"Yesterday every player made weight. On the 25th I will be there controlling [them]. How many kilos [they] come up. They can eat but I want to control them.… pic.twitter.com/v41uqmQIMs
“Every player makes a weight,” Guardiola said. “They come back on the 25th, and I will be there controlling how many kilos come up, to see how they come back.
“They can eat, but I want to control them. I have to make a selection for the 27th against Nottingham Forest. Imagine one player arrives with three kilos more. He will stay in Manchester. He will not travel to Nottingham Forest.”
Guardiola is well known for his strict approach to fitness and nutrition, having previously criticised midfielder Kalvin Phillips for returning from the 2022 World Cup above his target weight.
Despite his firm stance, the City boss also stressed the importance of players switching off mentally from the demands of an increasingly congested schedule.
“Next week I have holidays, being with family and with champagne,” the Spaniard told reporters. “I have learned in England that the more days off you give them, the better.
“The schedule is so tight, and the players have to forget football. When the game comes, they will be fresh in their legs. They have to be with their families and forget football. For them to see the manager every day, that is so tough.”
Manchester City come into the festive period in strong form after a 3-0 victory over West Ham United at the weekend. They sit two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal after 17 matches.
