Pep Guardiola banned Lionel Messi from having sex after midnight at Barcelona
Pep Guardiola apparently banned Lionel Messi from taking part in sexual activities after midnight during his spell at Barcelona.
The Manchester City manager is known for being a master tactician on the field, but has also implemented several strict measures off the pitch over the years to get the best out of his players, according to ex-City midfielder Samir Nasri.
Guardiola became the first manager to win a sextuple of trophies at Barcelona, winning three La Ligas and two Champions League titles between 2008 and 2012, during which Messi won four Ballon d’Or trophies.
And former French international Nasri, 34, explained how Guardiola once revealed he imposed a sex-ban on the best player in the world in order to aid his muscular recovery.
Speaking to L’Equipe du Soir, Nasri said: “Guardiola told me that I was a mess, he told me several times and even kicked me in the butt, literally.
“When I returned from holiday having had a year with injury problems and personal life problems, I was a little out of shape.
“Not as much as what was said but a few, four kilos overweight; For Guardiola, over 2.5 kilos and you do not you train with the group.
“Guardiola told me with your qualities you should not be at Manchester City, you should be at Barcelona. We had some discussions, he wanted me to stay and play for him. I told him no, because he couldn’t assure me a first team place.”
Nasri had a strained relationship with the Spaniard and ended up leaving the club in 2017.
But the retired Frenchman, who was a controversial figure throughout his career, revealed a bizarre trick used by the City boss.
Nasri said: “For him, his players’ sexual activity must take place before midnight in order to get a good night sleep – even if they are free tomorrow.
“He [Guardiola] said that he placed this rule on Messi and his muscles improved since.
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“He told us this is how he managed to get the best out of [Robert] Lewandowski too and for them to avoid the maximum number of muscular injuries.
“He suppressed many things that were in the kitchen.
“He will not bully you, but he will do everything to make you progress, to get you to know you how to position yourself and how to play. He’s a picky person.”
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