Manager Pep Guardiola “wants to be” at Manchester City but remains unable to explain a run of five points from nine games that has left the reigning champions six points off fourth place.

Six-time Premier League winner Guardiola said he congratulated his side after a 1-1 draw at home to Everton on Thursday, extending their disappointing run to one win in 13 games in all competitions as they were held by opponents who scored another had done Fewest goals in the top flight.

“I will not give up,” said Guardiola. “I want to stay here and do that. (In) the situation we have, we have to do it. I’d rather not be in this situation, but it is what it is.

“We wanted to change the dynamic and unfortunately we could not do that for several reasons. Sometimes you expect it to be easy to fix but sometimes it takes longer.”

PEP 💬 I always want to make people happy and do well in my work. It is easy to understand.

The great tests I have (had). We will be back but we remember how good the past was. It is a trust. It makes me realize now what we have done. How many years (we) have been… pic.twitter.com/biYnfPsGtp

— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 28, 2024

Guardiola: City form ‘no way to explain’

Despite dropping points for Everton for the first time in four meetings with the Toffees, City’s recent underwhelming performances included a 2–1 home defeat to Manchester United on 15 December.

The most painful of the nine defeats City have suffered since the start of December, the derby featured an 88th-minute equalizer and a 90th-minute winner for United, who trailed for 51 minutes before claiming their second Premier League away win. campaign

“In the United game, we gave it away,” admitted Guardiola. “(Against Everton), we were close again. I have no way to explain – it happens, it’s life, it’s football.

“We will try again. That’s why we’ve had so much success and won so many titles: every three days (due to performing) for many years. Now we have to do the same.”

Leicester (A) for years ⏮️🌟 pic.twitter.com/PZqwxLk17B

— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 28, 2024

Leicester vs Man City

Guardiola’s 500th game in charge comes at Leicester City on Sunday (2.30pm GMT), facing the hosts who sit third in the table after losing their last three matches 10-1 on aggregate.

“Leicester has always been difficult but the players will be ready to do it,” predicted Guardiola. “I congratulated the team (after playing Everton); It was ‘well played, guys’.

“The only chance we have is to continue – recovery and good preparation for Leicester. (We) have to try to stay as calm as possible, read the situation and decide what we can do to be better in the next game. This is what I want to try and do.

A first away win since visiting Wolves on October 20 could lift City to fifth, while defeat would drop them to eighth if Fulham avoid defeat at Bournemouth on Sunday (3pm).