Guardiola says the slump is not due to a lack of effort

Pep Guardiola insists his Manchester City players are putting in “more effort than ever” to try and halt their remarkable slump.

The four-time Premier League champions have won just one of their last 12 games in all competitions and come into Christmas in seventh place, nine points behind leaders Liverpool, who have also played two more games.

City were poor at Aston Villa on Saturday, losing 2-1 and putting in a lethargic performance.

But Guardiola says his latest problems are not down to a lack of commitment.

PEP 💬 It’s about many small details or some big details that make us not as good as we were. But we have another chance on Christmas Day. We have players coming back and at a certain point, we’re going to be better. pic.twitter.com/BCoBfTZuSK

— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 24, 2024

Speaking ahead of the Boxing Day clash with Everton, he said: “The boys are running and working harder than ever. It’s a lot of little details or big details that make us not as good as we were.

“But we’ve got another chance on Christmas Day to try and buy time for the players to come back, and we’ll be better in a while.”

No Stones against Everton

City have not been helped by a long injury list which now includes John Stones after he was withdrawn at half-time at Villa Park.

Stones misses out on the chance to face his former club, who are slowly moving in the right direction thanks to a defensive improvement that has seen them keep a clean sheet in seven of their last 10 games.

Everton have not beaten City since 2017, but Guardiola is wary of Sean Dyche’s men.

“In this situation, there is no perfect opponent,” he added.

“It’s about getting back to our best. It will take time. We need to get results as soon as possible. We face Everton and they are in a good moment, their results and performances show that.”