Pep Guardiola's strict 'sex rule' helped Lionel Messi avoid muscle injuries at Barcelona

Pep Guardiola has previously introduced strict rules around sexual activity in order to prevent muscle injuries, according to former Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri.

The Spaniard's obsessive attention to detail has been a key ingredient behind successful stints at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City.

Gael Clichy, who made 25 appearances during Guardiola's first season at the Etihad, has previously opened up on his strict standards.

"When I watch football now, I cannot distance myself from what I’ve seen and what I learned from Pep. All of that, in one word, would be details. Pep is all about the details," he told The Guardian.

"As a player, I was always on top of details. I never counted myself as a blessed player. I always had to work hard and be at the top of my game, on and off the field. Pep told me, 'Keep on doing detailed things because details will take you up there.' It was amazing to witness this in action."

Those details even extended to the bedroom, according to another former Manchester City player, Samir Nasri, who initially gave an insight into Guardiola's sky-high expectations.

Speaking to L’Equipe du Soir, Nasri said: “Guardiola told me that I was a mess, he told me several times and even kicked me in the butt, literally.

“When I returned from holiday having had a year with injury problems and personal life problems, I was a little out of shape.

“Not as much as what was said but a few, four kilos overweight; For Guardiola, over 2.5 kilos and you do not you train with the group.

“Guardiola told me with your qualities you should not be at Manchester City, you should be at Barcelona. We had some discussions, he wanted me to stay and play for him. I told him no, because he couldn’t assure me a first team place.”

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Nasri went on to detail the rule Guardiola had for his players at Barcelona and Bayern Munich that helped prevent muscle injuries.

“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," the Frenchman added.

“He [Guardiola] said that he placed this rule on 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.

“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.”