Erling Haaland has announced his readiness to play for Manchester City against Nottingham Forest after receiving a weight warning from manager Pep Guardiola. The concern arose during the festive period, when Guardiola emphasized that players who return from the holiday with excessive weight would be left behind when the team travels.
Following a three-day break, Haaland reported back to training on December 25, 2023, and weighed in at 94.4 kg. He shared his weight results on social media, confidently stating, “All good!!” alongside a photo of the scale, which drew a playful response from fellow player Gianluigi Donnarumma in the form of laughing emojis.
Weight Management Focus
Haaland’s current weight comes after he discussed his physical transformation in a 2021 interview with Norwegian television channel TV2. At that time, he noted his weight was 86 kg upon joining Borussia Dortmund, indicating he has gained significant muscle since then. “I have become ‘more of a man,’” he remarked, reflecting on his growth as an athlete.
While Haaland appears to have met Guardiola’s expectations, other players might struggle with the weight guidelines. Guardiola has made it clear that players who return from breaks with increased weight will not travel with the team, stating, “Imagine one player, and now he’s perfect, but he will arrive with three kilos more. He will be in Manchester; he will not travel to Nottingham Forest.”
Prior to their recent match against West Ham United, all squad members underwent weigh-ins, with Guardiola planning to compare those figures with the latest measurements before the upcoming game. Following the match against West Ham, Guardiola emphasized the need for improvement, stating, “We have to play better.” He also denied a request from players for an additional day off, insisting on a rigorous training schedule.
Balancing Training and Family Time
Guardiola recognizes the importance of players spending time with their families during the holiday season. He explained, “I’ve learned from England, since I arrived, as much days [where you can] have a day off, you give them. The schedule is so tight, and the players have to forget.” Balancing rigorous training with time off is crucial as the team prepares for the busy schedule ahead.
As the match against Nottingham Forest approaches, Haaland’s readiness could play a pivotal role in Manchester City’s performance. With Guardiola’s focus on discipline and fitness, players will need to adhere to the guidelines to ensure their place in the squad as they aim for continued success this season.
