Manchester City’s players will spend Christmas night at the Etihad Campus training facilities as they aim to reverse their concerning slump in form.
The team faces Everton in a Boxing Day clash at 12:30 p.m., following a dismal streak of just one win in their last 12 matches across all competitions. As per their usual routine before home games, manager Pep Guardiola is adamant that the festive season will not alter their preparation plans.
Players spent Christmas morning with their families but gathered at the training ground for an evening session before staying overnight. “We train today and tomorrow night, stay here, and play on Boxing Day,” Guardiola stated.
When asked if his squad would object to staying at the training ground on Christmas, Guardiola confidently replied, “Hopefully they want to be here because it’s our job.”
City’s poor form continued with a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, leaving them seventh in the Premier League standings, 12 points adrift of leaders Liverpool. Guardiola and his team are under pressure to recover and secure Champions League qualification, while also contending with an ongoing legal case involving 115 charges against the club.
“This situation is new for all of us,” Guardiola admitted. “It’s about everyone—players are giving more effort than ever.”
The festive schedule presents an opportunity for City to rebuild momentum, starting with their showdown against Everton.
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