We have to find a way, says Pep | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola says he and his players are learning to adapt to the challenge of overturning our current run of form, starting with Thursday’s Premier League clash against Everton.

City welcome the Toffees to the Etihad Stadium in Boxing Day’s lunchtime kick-off, with the hosts having won just one of our last eight matches in the English top flight.

Our last outing saw us beaten 2-1 at Aston Villa, with Phil Foden’s late effort proving a consolation on a frustrating afternoon in the West Midlands.

But the boss says the Blues must react to our unfamiliar circumstances, with the focus now on a positive result against Sean Dyche’s side.

He said: “I learn. They learn. We think about Everton and not much longer than that. I am here to give my answer, but I don’t have a defence.

“This team was consistent for so long and we broke all the records, now we are on the other side. We have to find a way. Everything is harder and we will try.

“At the end it’s just a game. We win, we lose but it’s just a game.

“We deal with it when we won a lot and now it’s a game that we are living in a different part.

“Life gives you that challenge and you have to deal with it. I am dealing with it as much as I can.”

WATCH: Watch: Pep Guardiola reacts to Villa defeat

City were boosted by the return of John Stones and Manuel Akanji to the starting line-up at Villa Park as the Blues tackle a lengthy injury list.

But the former was replaced at half-time with Guardiola admitting the England international had felt a disturbance as the break approached.

The boss was once again defiant when asked how he would deal with team selection after the setback, heaping praise on his players for their resilience and adaptability.

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“We will play with 11. Jahmai [Simpson-Pusey] will play as a central defender. We are lucky with the players we have.

“Bernardo [Silva] is special player for me. He puts his heart into every game. He is an incredible example for us in how he behaves and always tries to help and defensively makes an incredible effort.

“Rico [Lewis], what can I say? He plays right back, left back, in the middle.

“When the team are struggling, we are not as happy as we were. Players will come back and we will do better.”