Manchester City’s struggling squad will be required to stay overnight at the club’s training ground ahead of their Boxing Day match against Everton. Manager Pep Guardiola announced this measure, hoping players will embrace the change as they prepare for the crucial fixture.

City has been in a slump, losing nine of their last 12 matches, marking the worst run of Guardiola’s tenure. Their last victory came on December 4 against Nottingham Forest. To maintain focus, the players will train and then stay at the Etihad Campus, which has been equipped with 80 bedrooms and sleep-enhancing features since they first implemented overnight stays in 2014.

Despite the challenges, Guardiola remains optimistic, stating, “Hopefully they want to be here, because it’s our job.” City is currently seventh in the Premier League, four points adrift of fourth place, and has struggled to find form, earning just four points from their last eight games.

In an effort to boost morale, the club invited players’ wives and girlfriends to the Christmas party, where several players, including Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Ilkay Gundogan, were seen enjoying the festivities with their partners.

Guardiola acknowledged the difficulties but emphasized the team’s effort, saying it’s about “many little details” that have affected their performance. He remains hopeful that with players returning from injury, the team can turn their fortunes around in the upcoming match.