Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche has responded to Pep Guardiola’s revelation that Manchester City stars will have their weights monitored this Christmas.Guardiola’s festive warning became one of ...
Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche has responded to Pep Guardiola’s revelation that Manchester City stars will have their weights monitored this Christmas.
Guardiola’s festive warning became one of the most talked-about moments from City’s 3-0 win over West Ham, with the Catalan coach revealing that every member of his squad was weighed before being allowed time off. Any noticeable increase upon their return, Guardiola insisted, could have direct consequences for team selection.
The comments arrived at a time when City are navigating a crucial period of the season, balancing Premier League ambitions with domestic and European commitments. With Forest next on the fixture list, Guardiola made it clear that professionalism over the holiday period would not be optional, particularly with a demanding schedule looming.
As has been the case throughout Pep Guardiola’s tenure, the remarks were interpreted as both tongue-in-cheek and deadly serious, reinforcing his reputation for strict standards and marginal gains.
Unsurprisingly, the comments drew reactions from outside the Etihad Stadium, including from Manchester City’s upcoming opponents.
Speaking ahead of Nottingham Forest’s clash with Manchester City this weekend, the comments were put to Sean Dyche by reporters, who responded, “Is he weighing himself in do you think?! One rule for one… Come on, Pep,” Dyche responded with a smile.
The former Burnley and Everton coach continued, “I just tell the players to use a bit of common sense, I don’t mind them having a Christmas dinner – why not?
“Sometimes the psychology is as important as anything with athletes. And within reason, you want them to enjoy their Christmas Day, I certainly do.
“But I’m not obsessed with it, and weights, all that sort of stuff, but it’s fair to say I’ve got my eye on it. They’ll be encouraged to enjoy their day, they have got the day off.”
Sean Dyche’s response offered a clear contrast in managerial style, highlighting a more relaxed approach centred on trust and balance rather than strict monitoring. While acknowledging the importance of fitness, the Forest manager suggested mental wellbeing and enjoyment can be just as valuable.
For Pep Guardiola, however, the upcoming trip to Nottingham Forest has already been framed as a litmus test of discipline as much as tactics, and his warning after the West Ham victory explicitly referenced selection decisions for the December 27 fixture.
Whether Guardiola’s no-nonsense approach or Dyche’s emphasis on moderation proves more effective on the pitch will be decided soon enough, but the festive debate around Christmas dinners and weigh-ins has already ensured the build-up is not short of talking points.
Category: General Sports
