Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola said today that his players will undergo weight tests upon their return to training to check whether they are physically ready for the match against Nottingham Forest, which is scheduled for December 27th.
City beat West Ham 3-0 in their last match before Christmas on Saturday, and Guardiola revealed that the players were measured before that game and met the required standards, reports the BBC. The same procedure awaits them after the three-day break.
"The moment they come back after three days off, I want to see what condition they are in. They can eat, but I want to control them," said the 54-year-old strategist.
"Imagine a player who is perfect now, and comes back three kilos heavier. He stays in Manchester and doesn't travel to the game with Nottingham Forest," he added.
Guardiola is known for being extremely demanding when it comes to fitness, and as early as 2016, he removed certain players from the first team until they met the criteria. Former City player Gael Clichy previously revealed that the coach advised avoiding pizza, soda and "heavy food."
Manchester City are currently two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, who beat Everton 1-0, and after the duel with Nottingham Forest, they face an away game against Sunderland on New Year's Day.
Guardiola stressed that he has no problem with the physical preparation or running of his players, but rather with the quality of the game.
"The players asked us not to train on Sunday, but I said 'no', because we didn't play well enough. Next comes recovery, training for those who didn't play and then two days of preparation for Nottingham Forest," said Guardiola.
He also added that it is important for players to spend time with their families during the holidays.
"The schedule is very tight and the players need to rest mentally. When match day comes, they will be fresh in their legs," concluded the City coach.
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