EPL: Man City will recover from tough run, says Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is maintaining his composure despite the team’s challenging run of results, insisting his side will turn things around.

City were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton on Boxing Day at the Etihad, despite dominating much of the game.

In the wake of just one win from their last 13 matches, Guardiola remains defiant: “Manchester City will be back,” he declared confidently.

PUNCH Online reports that Guardiola’s remarks were part of a Saturday statement on the club’s website titled “Guardiola Determined to ‘Change the Dynamic’.”

The City boss, who has led the club to unprecedented success during his eight-and-a-half-year tenure, is navigating a rare period of turbulence.

His 500th game in charge comes this Sunday, December 29, against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium – a fixture he hopes will mark a turning point.

Determined to shift momentum, Guardiola anticipates a stern test against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side.

PUNCH Online earlier reported that City will face Leicester City as the EPL Matchday 19 opener. https://punchng.com/epl-matchday-19-man-city-take-on-leicester-liverpool-visit-west-ham-other-fixtures/

“Sometimes you expect it will be easy to fix, but sometimes it will take more time,” Guardiola admitted ahead of the clash, set for a 14:30 (UK) kickoff.

“I will not give up. I want to be here and do it. The situation we have, we have to do it. Now we go to Leicester – it’s always been difficult – but the players will be ready.”

On staying calm during this difficult stretch, he added, “It is what it is. I prefer not to live in that situation, but it is what it is. Try to be as calm as possible, read the situation, and work out what we can do to be better in the next game. This is what I want to try and all I want to do.”

Despite the frustration, Guardiola saw positives in the Everton draw, contrasting it with the recent painful defeat to Manchester United.
“I congratulated the team [after the Everton game]; it was ‘well played, guys’,” Guardiola revealed.

“The only chance we have is to continue – recover and prepare well for Leicester. We want to change the dynamic, but unfortunately, we couldn’t do it for many reasons.

“The United game we gave it away. [Against Everton], we were close again. I don’t have a way to explain it. It happens, it’s life, it’s football.

“We will try again. That’s why we have had so much success and won so many titles – because we play every three days for many years. Now, we have to do the same.”