Imagine a football manager so meticulous that he weighs his players to ensure they’re match-fit—sounds extreme, right? But that’s exactly what Pep Guardiola is doing at Manchester City, and it’s sparking conversations across the football world. Ahead of their clash with Nottingham Forest on December 27, Guardiola has announced that his players will step on the scales upon their return to training, a move that’s both fascinating and, for some, controversial. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: this isn’t the first time Guardiola has taken such a strict approach to player fitness.
Following Manchester City’s 3-0 victory over West Ham on Saturday, Guardiola revealed that his squad was weighed before that match and met the required standards. Now, after a brief Christmas break, he’s doubling down on this strategy. ‘The moment they arrive after three days off, I want to see how they come back,’ Guardiola explained. ‘They can eat, but I want to control them.’ And this is the part most people miss: Guardiola isn’t just focused on weight—he’s obsessed with ensuring his players are in peak condition, even if it means benching those who don’t meet his standards. ‘Imagine a player who returns three kilos heavier,’ he said. ‘He’ll stay in Manchester and won’t travel to Nottingham Forest.’
Guardiola’s reputation as a disciplinarian when it comes to fitness is well-earned. In 2016, he famously exiled players from first-team training until they hit specific weight targets. Former City defender Gael Clichy once revealed that Guardiola even advised players to avoid pizza, certain juices, and ‘heavy foods.’ Yet, this approach isn’t without its controversies. Guardiola recently apologized to midfielder Kalvin Phillips after publicly stating he was ‘overweight’ following the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Is this tough love or crossing the line? That’s a question fans and pundits are debating fiercely.
Currently, Manchester City trail Premier League leaders Arsenal by two points, adding extra pressure to their upcoming fixtures. Despite Guardiola’s focus on fitness, he admits his team’s issue isn’t physical—it’s performance. ‘They have to play better,’ he stated bluntly. After denying his players’ request for a day off on Sunday, he emphasized the need for continuous improvement: ‘They didn’t play well enough, so we’re training.’
Yet, Guardiola isn’t all business. He understands the importance of family time during the holidays. ‘I’ve learned from England that when you can give players a day off, you do,’ he said. ‘The schedule is tight, and they need to recharge.’ This balance between rigor and empathy is what makes Guardiola’s methods so compelling—and so divisive.
As Manchester City prepare for Nottingham Forest and their New Year’s Day fixture at Sunderland, one thing is clear: Guardiola’s approach to fitness and performance is as unique as it is polarizing. Do you think weighing players is a step too far, or is it the mark of a visionary manager? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
