Manchester City squad set for festive weigh-in after Guardiola's overweight caution

Manchester City footballers are due for a weigh-in on Christmas Day to ensure they have not indulged excessively during the holiday season, with Pep Guardiola stating that anyone gaining too much weight will be sidelined.

The team achieved a straightforward 3-0 victory against struggling Premier League opponents West Ham on Saturday, continuing to challenge the league leaders Arsenal.

Guardiola, who has secured six league championships in his time at the Etihad, is well known for his rigorous standards. He explained that the players underwent weighing before heading into their brief holiday.

The City manager remarked, "Each player has a set weight. They return on the 25th, and I will monitor the kilograms on the scale to check if they have become heavier.

Right after those three days away, I need to assess their condition upon return. They may eat freely, but I intend to keep a close watch."

The Spanish coach indicated that any player arriving back overweight would miss the match against Forest on December 27.

"Picture a player in top shape now, but showing up with three extra kilograms. He stays behind in Manchester," he added. "He does not join the trip to Nottingham Forest."

Guardiola stressed the need for his squad to unwind amid a demanding fixture list, while he takes a short break in Barcelona.

"The calendar is incredibly packed, so the players must switch off mentally," he noted. "It helps if they return in optimal condition. They will feel refreshed during the matches.

The team should spend time with loved ones and set football aside temporarily. It benefits them. Seeing the coach daily is quite demanding."

Despite a run of five consecutive league wins, the meticulous City head coach denied his players a rest day following the Saturday triumph, deeming the display insufficient.

"The squad requested a day off, but I refused, citing that their performance was not up to par," he explained.

"Thus, recovery on Sunday, training for those who sat out, followed by three days off, then two days to gear up for Nottingham Forest."