Pep Guardiola has received support from one British supermarket over his concerns around Manchester City players and their weight increase over Christmas.The City manager grabbed the headlines – and...
Pep Guardiola has received support from one British supermarket over his concerns around Manchester City players and their weight increase over Christmas.
The City manager grabbed the headlines – and no small amount of amusement – after revealing every member of his squad was weighed ahead of the festive break, warning any player returning heavier could face consequences when selection decisions are made.
Pep Guardiola’s comments followed Manchester City’s commanding 3-0 victory over West Ham at the Etihad Stadium, in a result that maintained their momentum in the Premier League and kept them firmly in the title conversation with the likes of Arsenal and Aston Villa.
However, even amid strong results, the Catalan tactician made clear that standards would not be relaxed over Christmas, in remarks that quickly gained traction beyond football circles, prompting reactions across social media and mainstream outlets.
They also built on a wider narrative around Pep Guardiola’s meticulous attention to detail, discipline, and marginal gains – traits that have defined his time at the Etihad Stadium.
Now, in an official comment relayed by The Manc, a spokesperson for supermarket chain Iceland said, “With Pep keeping such a close eye on his players’ Christmas calories, we thought it was only right to do our bit to help support him and get the best result for local fans.”
The comment continued, “Our festive desserts are designed to be indulgent, over-the-top and impossible to resist […] They’re perfect for seasonal celebrations, but probably not ideal if you’ve got a post-Christmas weigh-in and an important away trip on the line.”
Pep Guardiola’s original comments underlined the seriousness with which he views physical conditioning during the busiest period of the season, with the City boss confirming that all players would be checked again upon their return to training on Christmas Day.
A trip to Nottingham Forest looms on December 27, and while clearly delivered with humour, the warning from Guardiola also reflected his long-standing approach to squad management, where fitness levels and professionalism can directly influence team selection.
In previous seasons, similar messages around discipline and preparation have often been followed by strong performances during the congested festive schedule, and as City prepare for the next phase of their campaign, the episode serves as another reminder of the fine margins Guardiola believes separate contenders from champions.
Category: General Sports
