Pep Guardiola sack update shared by BBC reporter ahead of Man City v Everton
Phil McNulty expects Pep Guardiola to be safe in his job at Manchester City regardless of the result against Everton on Boxing Day.
Sean Dyche takes his side to the Etihad on Thursday [26 December] to face a City side with just one win in their past 12 games in all competitions.
The Toffees have taken a point from both Arsenal and Chelsea over the past week or so, having put in solid defensive displays against both, and they take on fallen champions City in good shape.
BBC chief football reporter McNulty believes that City manager Guardiola will be safe regardless of the outcome of the game.
He wrote on BBC Sport‘s live blog [23 December, 12:54pm]: “There is simply no way Pep Guardiola’s job at Manchester City is under threat from anyone other than himself, even if this bad run continues. By this, I mean Guardiola will decide when he goes and no-one else. He will not be sacked.
“And Guardiola’s decision to sign a new two-year deal only a few weeks ago suggests he is in this to put matters right and add to the incredible record of success he already has at the club.
“What is clear, though, is that City need to pull out of this slump very quickly so I expect some transfer activity in January.”
Sean Dyche under no pressure going into Manchester City game
Although there has been plenty of conversation surrounding Dyche’s future at Goodison Park due to his side’s poor form prior to this recent upturn, the recent completion of The Friedkin Group’s takeover as well as a couple of good recent results has surely taken the immediate pressure off the boss’ shoulders.
Furthermore, even though City are in a dismal run of form, we know how good some of the players in the side are so at any point they could well turn their ability on again and impress.
With this in mind, the 53-year-old can take his side into this game with a sense of freedom.
Naturally, they will be keen to remain defensively tight as they have proven they more than have the ability to do this in recent weeks even against top sides.
However, it certainly feels as though more eyes are on Guardiola on Boxing Day, even if his job is seemingly safe, which could end up leading to Everton taking more than just the one point from this game.
In other Everton news, the Blues have been tipped to go back for a player they missed out on signing in the summer.
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