´Sport is not easy´ – Guardiola looking to end Man City frustration in 500th game

Guardiola was frustrated after Manchester City’s draw with Everton but has urged his players to respond positively as they end the year against Leicester City.

The Spaniard is taking charge of his 500th game in charge of the Citizens on Sunday, becoming just the second manager to hit that milestone, but has seen his side slump to just one win in their last 13 in all competitions.

Their misery was further compounded on Boxing Day as they were held 1-1 by Everton, with Erling Haaland seeing a penalty saved in the second half, and though they stayed seventh in the table, the teams below them are closing in.

Guardiola, who won his 100th, 200th and 300th games in charge of Man City before drawing the 400th, urged his players to approach their next game with the right mindset.

“How do you react mentally [to being on this run]?” Guardiola told BBC Sport.

“Life is not easy. Sport is not easy. When it happens, it is OK.

“We created, incredible how they ran and fight [against Everton]. In some games, it was not good, but that was well played.”

Meanwhile, Leicester slipped back into the relegation zone after suffering a third consecutive defeat, falling 3-1 to league leaders Liverpool on Thursday.

Ruud van Nistelrooy did not lose his first two games in charge, but now sees his team one point behind Wolves, who leapfrogged them by beating Manchester United.

Jordan Ayew, who scored Leicester’s goal against the Reds, acknowledged they were in a tough spot, but remained upbeat despite their recent run.

“We need to build on the positives and stay focused to keep pushing because there will be a lot of twists and turns yet,” Ayew said. “Hopefully, in May everyone will be smiling.

“We need everyone this season, so we need to make sure everyone stays focused.”

Our upcoming clash against Leicester will be Pep’s 500th game as Manchester City manager

— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 27, 2024

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Leicester City – Jordan Ayew

Ayew’s goal against Liverpool was his fourth Premier League goal this season, with the Ghanaian last netting more in a single campaign in 2019-20 (nine).

It was also his first goal against Liverpool in the competition (14th app).

Manchester City – Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland netted 10 goals in his first five Premier League games this season but has since scored just three in his last 13, underperforming his xG by a league-wide total of 5.2 in that time (three vs 8.2 xG).

His penalty against Everton was the first time he has seen a goalkeeper save one of his Premier League penalties; his other 16 were either scored (15) or hit the woodwork (one).

MATCH PREDICTION: MANCHESTER CITY WIN

Manchester City have won their last four Premier League away games against Leicester without conceding a single goal. In their league history, they have never won five in a row away against an opponent while keeping a clean sheet each time.

In fact, Leicester have lost 11 of their last 13 Premier League meetings with Man City (W2), while they have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last 15 against the Citizens (W4 L11).

Man City have also won 19 of their last 20 Premier League games against promoted sides (D1), including each of the last 10 in a row. They last had a longer such winning run between December 2009 and December 2011 (12).

However, City have lost seven of their last eight away games in all competitions (D1), having been unbeaten in 21 on the road before this. It is their longest run without an away win since a run of 10 between January and April 2011.

As for Leicester, they have only lost their final league game in one of the last five calendar years (W3 D1). This is the first time they are facing the reigning top-flight champions in such a match since 1974, a 2-0 defeat to Leeds United.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Leicester City – 14.9%

Draw – 18.7%

Manchester City – 66.3%