Dyche Calls for ‘Common Sense’ Among Players During Holidays

Manager’s Approach to Holiday Indulgence

Nottingham Forest’s head coach, Sean Dyche, has encouraged his players to exercise “common sense” throughout the holiday season, indicating that he does not plan to emulate Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola by weighing his players upon their return from the festive break.

Forest will face City on Saturday at 12:30 GMT, with Guardiola announcing plans to weigh his squad to monitor fitness levels post-Christmas.

Lively Response to Guardiola’s Method

When questioned about mirroring Guardiola’s strategy, Dyche responded humorously, “Is Pep weighing himself, do you think?”

He further elaborated, highlighting that players are professionals, stating, “On your passport it says professional footballer. They’re not just footballers. Everyone wants to be a player, but what about the professional aspect?” He reassured, “The players just need to use a bit of common sense. I don’t mind them having a Christmas dinner, why not?”

Current Team Status

Nottingham Forest recently suffered a 1-0 defeat against Fulham, leaving them precariously positioned just above the relegation zone in the league.

Dyche acknowledged the increased scrutiny within modern football, emphasizing the importance of both discipline and trust in his players. “Attention to detail is significant, but I want them to enjoy their Christmas Day,” he stated, reinforcing the need for balance during the holidays.

Focus on Well-Being

Dyche reiterated the importance of maintaining healthy habits, suggesting, “While I do consider figures important, I’m not obsessed with them. I’ll keep an eye on it.” He encouraged players to enjoy their holiday, stating, “They have the day off, but they should use a bit of common sense, I think.”

He concluded with a nod to younger players, noting that those emerging from the academy are well-aware of nutritional and lifestyle choices, stating, “They should know what to eat, when to eat, and how to take care of themselves, including good sleep and all those sorts of things.”