Guardiola says the fall is not due to a lack of action

Pep Guardiola is urging his Manchester City players to “try harder than ever” to overcome their shock slump.

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

City suffered a poor performance at Aston Villa on Saturday, losing 2-1.

But Guardiola says their recent problems are not due to a lack of commitment.

PEP 💬 It’s about many small things or big things that make us not as good as we used to be. But we have another chance on Boxing Day. We have players coming back and next time, we will be better. pic.twitter.com/BCoBfTZuSK

– Manchester City (@ManCity) December 24, 2024

Speaking ahead of the Boxing Day clash with Everton, he said: “These lads are running and working harder than ever. It’s a lot of small and big things that make (us) not as good as we were.

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

No Stones against Everton

City have not been helped by a long injury list which currently includes John Stones leaving Villa Park at half time.

Stones is missing the chance to face his old side, who are slowly going in the right direction thanks to a defensive lapse that has kept them clean in seven of their last 10 games.

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

“At this point, there is no perfect opponent,” he said.

“It’s almost time to get back to what we are capable of. It will take time. We have to get results as quickly as possible. We are facing Everton and they are in a good moment, their results and their performances show it.”