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” in a bid to halt their incredible slump.

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

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

But Guardiola says their recent problems are not due 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 Boxing Day. We have returning players and we will be better in time. 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. Many small details or big details make (us) not as good as we were.

“But we have another chance on Boxing Day to try and buy time for the players to come back and in time we will be better.”

No Stones against Everton

City have not been helped by a lengthy injury list that now includes John Stones following his half-time withdrawal 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.

“There is no perfect opponent in this situation,” he added.

“It’s about coming back the best we can. 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.”