Former city defender commends Guardiola’s strict regime and wifi ban
Bacary Sagna, the former Manchester City defender, has shared an inside look at Pep Guardiola’s rigorous discipline and its pivotal role in shaping the club’s success. Upon his 2016 arrival, Guardiola implemented strict measures, including cutting WiFi in the dressing room, to foster focus and discipline among his players. Initially sceptical, Sagna now appreciates the effectiveness of such policies in cultivating a winning mindset.
Guardiola, known for his meticulous attention to detail, enforced a no-tolerance policy towards any deviations from his fitness regimen. Players exceeding their target weight found themselves sidelined, underscoring the importance of discipline not just on the pitch but in all aspects of a player’s lifestyle. Sagna, reflecting on his year under Guardiola, recognized the critical role of this discipline in achieving the club’s remarkable treble last season.
Embed from Getty Images“At first, it’s upsetting because you’re thinking I’m not a child… I’m 30 years old, I don’t need to go through all these routes. But then you understand why they won the treble last year,” Sagna explained. This revelation highlights the transformative impact of Guardiola’s approach, emphasizing nutrition, fitness, and mental preparedness as integral components of sustained high-level performance in sports.
Sagna’s insights into Guardiola’s regime at Manchester City provide a compelling narrative of how stringent discipline and a focus on the minutiae can forge a championship-winning team. It’s a testament to Guardiola’s philosophy that success in football extends beyond talent and skill, rooting deeply in the mindset and daily habits of every player.
