Manchester City’s struggling squad was required to stay overnight at the club’s training ground ahead of their Boxing Day match against Everton, following a disappointing run of results.
Pep Guardiola explained that his players were asked to leave their families on Christmas Day, with the hope that they would accept the decision positively.
“We train today (Tuesday), we train tomorrow (Wednesday) night, and we will stay here before playing on Boxing Day,” Guardiola said. “Hopefully, they understand the importance of being here, as it’s our job.”
Guardiola also noted, “This is a new situation for all of us. It’s about the whole team. The players are working hard and making more effort than ever. Some people say we’re not putting in the effort or point to individual players or the manager, but it’s about several small or major details that have made us less effective than before. We have another chance on Boxing Day.”
City have suffered nine losses in their last 12 matches, marking the worst run of Guardiola’s managerial career, with their most recent victory on December 4 against Nottingham Forest.
