Dyche Advocates Common Sense Over Strict Weigh-ins During Holidays

Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche has encouraged his players to exercise “common sense” during the Christmas season and has indicated that he will not adopt Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s practice of weighing his squad upon their return.

As Forest prepares to host City this Saturday at 12:30 GMT, Guardiola has announced that his players will undergo weigh-ins to monitor their fitness levels after the holiday break. In response to inquiries about whether he would implement a similar strategy, Dyche quipped, “Is Pep weighing himself, do you think?”

Dyche emphasized the distinction between being a footballer and a professional athlete, stating, “As I always say to the players, on your passport it says professional footballer. They’re not just footballers. Everyone wants to be a footballer but what about the professional side of it?” He believes that while players should enjoy their holiday, they should also be mindful of their responsibilities.

Following a setback with a 1-0 loss to Fulham, Nottingham Forest currently sits just above the relegation zone, one position and five points clear. Dyche acknowledged the increased focus on details in contemporary football, yet he also expressed the need for trust in his players.

“Sometimes, the psychology is as important as anything with athletes. You want them to enjoy their Christmas Day; I certainly do. It’s a significant part of their lives,” he remarked.

While he considers fitness metrics important, Dyche stated that he is not obsessed with them. “They’ll be encouraged to enjoy their day. They have got the day off but should use a bit of common sense, I think. The players coming through the academy should all know—and they certainly do—what to eat, when to eat, how to look after themselves, good sleep, and all those sorts of things.”