“He placed this rule on Messi and his muscles improved” - When Nasri shared Guardiola’s strict s*x rule that helped Lionel Messi and Lewandowski
Former Manchester City star Samir Nasri once revealed Pep Guardiola's strict sex rule that helped Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski avoid muscle injuries while playing under him. The Catalan coach famously managed Messi at Barcelona from 2008 to 2012 and Lewandowski at Bayern Munich between 2014 and 2016.
The Argentine legend is believed to have reached his peak under Guardiola's guidance at Barcelona, as the duo together won two Champions League titles and three LaLigas, including the treble in the 2008-09 season. Guardiola's idea to play Lionel Messi as a false nine is believed to be one of the best tactical decisions in football.
Meanwhile, the Spaniard coached Lewandowski at Bayern for the striker's first two seasons at the club, winning two Bundesliga titles and one DFB Pokal title together.
Speaking to L’Equipe du Soir, Samir Nasri revealed Guardiola's strict sex rule for his players at Barcelona and Bayern Munich to avoid muscle injuries. He said (via SportBible):
“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 Lionel Messi and his muscles improved since. 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."
Nasri added:
“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.”
Pep Guardiola has found success at three different clubs across Europe in his career, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. Many who've played under the coach have detailed his strict rules, which helped them grow better over time.
When Lionel Messi believed Robert Lewandowski deserved the 2020 Ballon d'Or
It is widely believed that Robert Lewandowski would have been the undisputed winner of the 2020 Ballon d'Or if it would not have been canceled owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
When Lionel Messi received his record seventh Ballon d'Or in 2021, he mentioned the Polish striker in his acceptance speech.
"I would like to mention Robert, it’s been a real honour to compete with you. Everyone knows and we agree that you were the winner last year. I think France Football should award you your 2020 Ballon d’Or - you deserve it and you should have it at home," Messi said. (via GOAL)
The Pole thanked Messi for his words, and told Bild in a later interview (via GOAL):
"Messi's words towards me [about the Ballon d'Or] really touched me. They weren't empty words, it was a nice moment in my career. I only spoke a few words with Leo [face to face], because my Spanish is not that good. I spoke with Kylian [Mbappe] in English, he then translated for Leo. It was a great night."
Robert Lewandowski has been in sensational form for Barcelona this season, with 12 goals and two assists in 11 appearances across competitions so far.