Pep Guardiola insists his Manchester City players are working “harder than ever” in a bid to arrest their remarkable slump.
The four-time Premier League champions have won just one of their last 12 games in all competitions and went into Christmas in seventh place, nine points behind Liverpool at the top, with two games in hand.
City were poor against Aston Villa on Saturday, losing 2-1 and putting in a lethargic performance.
But Guardiola says their recent woes are not due to a lack of commitment.
PEP 💬 It's about many or some small details that make us as bad as we are. But there's another chance on Boxing Day. We have the players and at some point we will be better. pic.twitter.com/BCoBfTZuSK
— Man City (@ManCity) December 24 2024
Ahead of the Boxing Day game against Everton, he said: “These guys are running and working hard. Most of the small details or the big details don't make us (us) as bad as we are.
“But on Boxing Day we have another opportunity to try and beat the time when the players come back, and we'll be better in time for sure.”
There are no stones unturned against Everton.
City were unable to contribute to a long-term injury list, including John Stones, after an extended layoff at Villa Park.
Stones will miss the chance to face his former club, who are slowly moving in the right direction thanks to defensive improvement, having kept seven clean sheets in their last 10 games.
Everton have not beaten Manchester City since 2017, but Guardiola is wary of Sean Dyche's men.
“There is no such thing as a perfect opponent in this situation,” he added.
“It is important that we come back at our best. It will take time. You have to get the results as quickly as possible. We are facing Everton and they are having a great moment and their results and performances show that.”