Manchester City’s players spent Christmas night at the club’s training ground as Pep Guardiola implemented a drastic measure to reset his struggling squad.
The unusual arrangement came ahead of their crucial Boxing Day clash against Everton, kicking off at 12:30 pm. Guardiola, grappling with the worst form of his managerial career after losing nine of their last 12 matches, made the call to have his team train late on Christmas Day and stay overnight at the facility.
“We trained today, we train tomorrow night, and we will stay here to prepare for Boxing Day,” Guardiola explained. “Hopefully, they want to be here because it’s our job.”
Reflecting on the slump, Guardiola acknowledged the team’s challenges. “It’s about everyone – the players, the manager. Little details, or even big ones, are not clicking as they should. But we have another opportunity on Boxing Day. Players are coming back, and at some point, we will be better.”
City’s last win was on December 4 against Nottingham Forest, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning how the reigning champions can turn their season around.