Pep Guardiola’s strict’sex rule’ helped Lionel Messi prevent muscle problems at Barcelona.

Pep Guardiola has previously implemented severe sexual activity regulations to prevent muscular strains, according to former Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri.

The Spaniard’s fanatical attention to detail has contributed to his success at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City.

Gael Clichy, who made 25 appearances during Guardiola’s first season at the Etihad, has already spoken about his tough standards.

“When I watch football now, I can’t get away from what I’ve seen and learnt from Pep. All of this could be summed up in one word: details. “Pep is all about the details,” he told the Guardian.

“As a player, I was always aware of details. I never considered myself a blessed player. I was always expected to work hard and perform at my best, both on and off the field. Pep urged me, ‘Keep doing detailed things because details will lead you up there.’ It was great to see this in action.

Those details also extended to the bedroom, according to another former Manchester City player, Samir Nasri, who first revealed Guardiola’s lofty demands.

Nasri told L’Equipe du Soir: “Guardiola told me that I was a mess several times and even kicked me in the buttocks.”

“When I returned from vacation after a year of injury and personal life issues, I was a little out of shape.

“Not as much as previously stated, but a few, four kilos overweight; for Guardiola, more than 2.5 kg, and you do not train with the group.

“Guardiola told me that with your abilities, you should be at Barcelona, not Manchester City. We had some discussions.

Nasri went on to describe the rule Guardiola implemented for his players at Barcelona and Bayern Munich to assist prevent muscular problems.

“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,” said the French coach.

“He [Guardiola] stated that he imposed this rule on Messi, and his muscles have strengthened since.

“He informed us that this is how he got the best out of [Robert] Lewandowski and helped them prevent as many muscular injuries as possible.

He concealed many things in the kitchen. He will not bully you, but he will do everything he can to help you grow, teach you how to position yourself and play. “He is a picky person.”

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images.

Pep Guardiola’s scathing putdown after Lionel Messi ‘pleaded’ with him for a move to Manchester City
Pep Guardiola was offered the opportunity to work with Lionel Messi again, but the move never materialized.

Lionel Messi was viciously pied by Pep Guardiola while supposedly contemplating a surprise move to Manchester City.

Messi became the world’s best player after scoring an incredible 221 goals in 219 games while playing for Barcelona under Guardiola.

Back in 2020, it appeared that the two could be reunited. Messi had a year left on his contract after losing the Champions League to Bayern Munich, but he believed he was virtually a free agent, claiming that the COVID-19 virus had extended his leave clause.

According to reports at the time, Messi phoned Guardiola to express his interest in joining Manchester City.

And a new book titled “God Save Pep” penned by Marti Perarnau, a journalist with access to the City manager, exposes how close the trade was.

Messi reportedly texted his close pal Sergio Aguero to find out how long Guardiola would be at the Etihad Stadium.

He immediately contacted the Catalana, and the two planned to meet at Messi’s residence in Barcelona.

Messi was undoubtedly aware of Guardiola’s coaching tactics, but the former Bayern Munich coach is claimed to have provided light on how things have altered slightly.

He stated: “In Manchester, we practice really hard, and I have lengthy tactical discussions. Perhaps you’ll become bored.

The Argentine, however, was unconcerned, responding: “I will train hard, I am not scared. I’ll put up with whatever you do.”

Guardiola, however, was unconvinced and delivered a scathing rebuke to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

According to the book, he said, “Leo, we’ve gotten older. Perhaps we can’t bear each other anymore.”

Messi ended up sticking with Barcelona for another season and finishing as La Liga’s top scorer.

He won the Copa del Rey, but La Liga salary limits meant the Blaugrana couldn’t afford to keep him, so he moved to Paris Saint-Germain, where he played two seasons before starting a new chapter with Inter Miami.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Tags: Pep Guardiola, Lionel Messi, Barcelona, Manchester City