Manchester City’s struggles persisted with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Everton on Boxing Day, increasing the pressure on manager Pep Guardiola.
The uninspired performance highlighted the significant challenges ahead, leaving many questioning whether Guardiola has the drive to lead the club’s rebuilding efforts.
Adding to the tension, Kevin De Bruyne’s swift departure after the match raised eyebrows. Substituted on in the 75th minute, the Belgian midfielder made little impact and headed straight down the tunnel at full time.
TalkSPORT’s Adrian Durham noted De Bruyne was “probably the first to leave,” while former City defender Danny Mills described the exit as “acrimonious.”
Mills observed that De Bruyne appeared to brush off an attempted handshake from Guardiola, suggesting frustration over both the result and his limited game time.
Guardiola addressed the ongoing challenges, pointing to the team’s injury crisis with eight key players sidelined. He admitted reinforcements are needed but stressed the importance of signing players who can provide long-term value rather than short-term fixes.
“We need to find a solution,” Guardiola stated. “The club and I must discuss what can be done. But it’s not easy. We’re looking for players who can help us over the next three, four, or five years—not just for a few months.”
As City’s challenges mount, Guardiola’s ability to turn the season around will be closely watched, with expectations for improvement growing ever higher.
