Pep Guards-the-cola at Manchester City

Pizza, junk food and fizzy drinks are off the menu at Manchester City, with boss Pep Guardiola doing his best Jamie Oliver impression in order to ensure his troops are in perfect condition ahead of the new Premier League season.

City have spent the week in China as Guardiola’s men step up their preparations ahead of the season opener at home to Sunderland on August 13, though those who are straining the scales have been banished from first-team training.

Guardiola moulded former employers Barcelona into a high-octane team, effectively setting the standard for the modern player.

Gaël Clichy in action against Bayern Munich

And defender Gael Clichy has revealed Guardiola’s secret recipe to make certain his new charges at City are up to the task.

“We have a few players who are not training with the team yet, Clichy said.

“If your weight is too high, you’re not training with the team.

“You have to know that if your weight is 60 kilos and you are on 70 kilos, then you cannot play football.

“Some people think that’s normal but it’s not always like this.

“I know because I’ve been playing football for a long time. It’s really refreshing and very exciting.”