Sean Dyche has responded to Pep Guardiola's plan to weigh his Manchester City players on Christmas Day, ahead of their Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest. Guardiola stated that any player returning overweight from the Christmas break would be excluded from the squad to face Forest.

In response, Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche has jokingly questioned whether Guardiola would be weighing himself. "I think it's unlikely! I presume you are mentioning it because of what Pep said," Dyche quipped. "Is he weighing himself in, do you think?! I wonder how it works. One rule for one… Come on, Pep!".

Dyche stated that he trusts his players to use "common sense" over the festive period. "I always say to the players, on your passport it says 'professional footballer' not just 'footballer'," Dyche explained. "Anyone who wants to be a footballer, what about the professional side of it?".

He added, "I just want 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". Dyche emphasized that he wants his players to enjoy Christmas Day "within reason," acknowledging it as a significant part of their lives. He also recognizes the hard work the players put in, similar to Manchester City.

Dyche recalled his own experiences as a young player, highlighting the increased focus on player education and nutrition in the modern game. "It was slightly different in my day," Dyche laughed. "You have got to remember the education these players get through the academy system. We never had that". He recounted turning up at Nottingham Forest without knowing what a pre-match meal was, a stark contrast to the detailed nutritional guidance provided to young players today.

While Dyche admitted to considering figures and data important, he affirmed that he is not "obsessed with it with weights and all that sort of stuff,". He said that the players will be encouraged to enjoy their day off while being sensible.

Guardiola's strict approach includes weighing the Manchester City squad on Christmas Day and excluding any player who returns overweight from the matchday squad against Nottingham Forest. He revealed that the players were weighed before their break and given a target weight to maintain. Guardiola has a history of enforcing strict standards, having previously criticized Kalvin Phillips for returning from a break overweight.

Manchester City are currently vying for the Premier League title, sitting two points behind Arsenal. Guardiola has made it clear that he expects unwavering dedication from his players, even during the festive season. He wants his players to relax mentally but not become careless physically.