Guardiola is called a strict coach on the subject of participant health ranges and in 2016 exiled a few of his squad from first-team coaching till they met sure weight targets.

Former Metropolis full-back Gael Clichy mentioned Guardiola had informed his gamers to keep away from pizza, some juice and sure “heavy meals”.

Guardiola beforehand apologised to Kalvin Phillips after saying the Metropolis midfielder was “chubby” on his return from the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Metropolis are two factors behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, who beat Everton 1-0 on Saturday, and face Forest earlier than an away fixture at Sunderland on New Yr’s Day.

Guardiola mentioned he had no drawback together with his squad’s health or working, however they merely “must play higher”.

“The gamers requested me to have tomorrow’s [Sunday’s] coaching session off and I mentioned no, as a result of they did not play effectively sufficient,” Guardiola mentioned.

“So Sunday restoration, practice the fellows that did not play, and after three days off they’ve two days to arrange for Nottingham Forest.”

Guardiola added that it was necessary for his gamers to spend time with their households over the Christmas interval.

“I’ve discovered from England, since I arrived, as a lot days [where you can] have a time without work, you give them,” he added.

“The schedule is so tight and the gamers must neglect. The second of the sport they are going to be recent within the legs.”