Pep Guardiola has reportedly banned pizza at Manchester City as he strives to whip his returning stars into shape.

The Spaniard will crack down on out-of-shape players by forcing them to hit the gym for fitness and strength work instead of training with the rest of the squad if they are overweight.

Gael Clichy has revealed that City players are under a close watch and will not be given permission to join in with ball training or play in pre-season games if they aren't at their optimal playing weight.

"If your weight is too high, you're not training with the team," said the Frenchman.

"That is the first thing. You hear it a lot but for my part it's the first time any manager has really done it.

"And we have a few players who are not training with the team yet…

"It's funny but we play football and it's a job and you have to take responsibility.

"Of course you have quality but you have to know that, if your weight is 60kg and you are 70kg, you cannot play football.

"The manager cut out some juice and of course pizza, and all the heavy food is not allowed."