Pep Guardiola has said Everton are ‘not the perfect opponent’ as Manchester City look to return to form.
City host Everton in the Premier League on Boxing Day, aiming to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions. Guardiola’s side have lost nine of their last 12 in all competitions and have slumped to seventh in the Premier League table.
Saturday lunchtime brings the visit of Everton to the Etihad. Sean Dyche’s side have been stubborn opposition in recent weeks, frustrating Arsenal and Chelsea in successive goalless draws. The Toffees have kept five clean sheets in their last six games and Guardiola admits Everton are not an ideal opponent for his struggling side.
“They are not the perfect opponent. It is about us to come back to our best,” Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference.
“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 performances show it.”
Guardiola also discussed the form of Erling Haaland. The back-to-back Golden Boot has scored just three times in his last 12 league appearances. Asked if he was concerned by the Norwegian’s run, Guardiola said the entire team is responsible for bringing the best from their leading scorer.
“It’s about us, it’s not just about one playing. When Erling was so prolific, it was about us, the team. Erling is so important for us and will be so important for us. We need to use him better.
“The reason why is this one and this one and this one. It is about us, about everyone. The guys are running more than ever. Many little details and big details make us not as good as we were.”
