Guardiola Cancels Manchester City Players’ Extra Christmas Leave Despite Comfortable Win

Manchester City may have cruised to a convincing 3–0 victory over West Ham United, but Pep Guardiola was far from satisfied with what he witnessed on the pitch. In a move that underlined his famously uncompromising standards, the City manager cancelled the squad’s planned additional Christmas break, making it clear that results alone are not enough to meet his expectations.

Despite the emphatic scoreline at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola felt City’s overall performance lacked the sharpness, intensity and control required of a team competing for major honours. Speaking after the match, the Spanish coach delivered a stern message to his players, insisting that such displays will not suffice if Manchester City are to remain serious contenders for trophies.

Originally, the club had agreed to grant the players a three-day break, taking advantage of the relatively generous gap in the fixture list. With City not due to play again until 27 December, when they face Nottingham Forest, the squad were scheduled to enjoy time off from Monday through Wednesday. However, Guardiola revised those plans, instructing his players to return to training on Christmas Day, 25 December.

Several players had also requested Sunday off, hoping to extend their time with family and friends during the festive period. That appeal, however, was swiftly rejected following the West Ham match. Instead, the squad were ordered to report to the City Football Academy on Sunday, where preparations and recovery sessions began before the shortened holiday commenced.

Explaining his decision, Guardiola was candid. “The players asked for Sunday off, and I said no,” he told reporters. “We didn’t play well enough. Those who didn’t feature will continue recovery and training. After three days’ rest, we will only have two days to prepare properly for Nottingham Forest.”

Guardiola also reflected on the relentless nature of English football, acknowledging the importance of rest while highlighting the challenges posed by an intense calendar. “Everything depends on the schedule,” he said. “Since coming to England, I have learned that whenever possible, players should be given rest. But the fixture list is extremely tight.”

The City boss emphasised that spending time with family and mentally switching off from football is essential for players’ wellbeing, yet timing remains crucial. “When players return at the right moment, their legs feel fresher. Recovery is vital,” Guardiola added. “They will still have time with their families and forget about football for a short while. And I will continue to work for them, as always.”

The decision once again highlights Guardiola’s relentless pursuit of excellence — a hallmark of Manchester City’s sustained success.

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