Samir Nasri says that Pep Guardiola banned Manchester City players from engaging in intimate relations after midnight – because it had brought the best out of Barcelona and Bayern Munich stars Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski.

The Frenchman claims the City boss believes in players getting a good night sleep even if there’s no training or game the following day.

In an interview with L’Equipe de Soir, Nasri revealed the Spanish coach’s round-the-clock influence on his squad is one secret to his success.

“Relations must be before midnight,” the 29-year-old said. “Even if you have a free day the following day.”
“It’s so you can have a good night’s sleep.”

Nasri, who has enjoyed a mini-revival on loan at La Liga side Sevilla this season, also revealed how Guardiola proved the midnight cut-off point had spurred Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski.

“He told us this is how he managed to get the best out of Messi and Lewandowski, and for them to avoid the maximum number of muscular injuries.”