Manchester City v Everton: Pep Guardiola defends Erling Haaland ...

Published 24/12/2024 at 14:10 GMT

Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City must do more to get the best out of Erling Haaland ahead of their Boxing Day clash with Everton.

Haaland scored 10 goals in his first five Premier League games this season, but City's horrendous run of form has coincided with a barren spell for the Norwegian striker.

He has found the back of the net just once in his last six league appearances, while City have recorded just one win in that time.

Guardiola leapt to the defence of his star striker, insisting that recent results are not down to one player.

"It's about us, it's not just about one player," he said. "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."

City are seventh in the Premier League table ahead of the clash at the Etihad Stadium, while The Toffees are sitting in 15th.

Kyle Walker recently confirmed that following City's downturn, their players will be expected to train on Christmas Day.

Guardiola insists his players should want to be at the training ground ahead of a crucial game.

"We train today and tomorrow night," he said. "We will stay over here and play on Boxing Day.

"Today will be at home with their families and then tomorrow morning. Hopefully, they'll want to be here tomorrow night because it is our job, it is our duty."

Everton have won one and drawn two of their last three Premier League games after a testing start to the campaign.

Guardiola has an excellent record against sides managed by Toffees boss Sean Dyche, but he believes they will prove a tough test on Thursday.

"They are not the perfect opponent," he added. "It is about us to come back to our best.

"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."

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