Manchester City are currently sixth in the Premier League.
Former Liverpool striker Dean Saunders has downplayed the notion that Manchester City’s players had a miserable Christmas after being made to stay at the club’s training ground. Saunders, speaking on talkSPORT, insisted it was far from an unusual situation in professional football and likely a comfortable experience given the luxurious facilities at City’s disposal.
Pep Guardiola’s side, under mounting pressure after a worrying run of form, were asked to stay overnight at the Etihad on Christmas Day as they prepared for their Boxing Day clash against Everton. With nine losses in their last 12 games, including a frustrating 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in their most recent outing, Guardiola was determined to maintain focus during the festive period.
Here's what Guardiola said (via talkSPORT):
"We train today, we train tomorrow (Christmas Day) night, we will stay over here and we are going to play on Boxing Day. Hopefully, they want to be here because it’s our job."
