Pep Guardiola has hailed Khaldoon Al Mubarak for the support he’s received during this challenging period in the 2024/25 season.
[GROUP HUG: Squad goals!
Match Preview
City v Everton: Kick-off time, team news and TV information](https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/city-v-everton-match-preview-26-december-63870375)
Guardiola has overseen the greatest era in Manchester City history with 18 trophies won so far in his eight-and-a-half year tenure.
However, we’re currently going through a difficult spell, with one win, two draws and nine defeats in the last 12 matches across all competitions.
Guardiola says the Chairman has offered him encouragement during this tough run and he appreciates the backing.
‘CHAMPIONS FOUR-IN-A-ROW’ BOOK
“Every week we talk,” he told media at his pre-match press conference.
“I feel incredibly supported. It happened in the first season but that was completely different.
“We both know it so when there is a moment that something wrong happens, we are going to take a decision.
“I feel incredibly supported by him and of course Ferran and Txiki but especially Khaldoon in that time and always he says ‘okay the situation is what it is’ and what we have to do to improve the team and ‘come on, let’s look for the next one’.
“Always it has been positive.”
Watch the manager’s press conference in the video player above.
City v Everton app coverage
Our official app allows you to follow all of the action from the Etihad in one place.
Minute-by-minute text updates will begin in our Matchday Centre two hours before kick-off, while our Matchday Live show will begin at around 11:15 (UK).
Paul Dickov and Steve Howey will be the guests on the latest Matchday Live show, offering their expert insight before, during and after the action.
During the game you can also listen to live audio commentary from Alistair Mann and Andy Morrison while our text commentary continues.
Make sure to have push notifications turned on as well, so you can be alerted to key moments in the action, including goals, red cards and the team news.
Short highlights from the match will be available from 17:15 (UK), whilst extended highlights from the encounter and a full-match replay [available on CITY+] can be accessed from midnight.