Guardiola: We need to use Haaland better | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola says he is looking for his players to find Erling Haaland more often and in more dangerous positions on the pitch.

The Norwegian striker started his third campaign at City in a rich vein of form, becoming the first man ever to score 10 Premier League goals in the opening five matches of the season.

However, the defending champions' recent challenging run has coincided with Haaland netting twice in his last eight league appearances.

City v Everton | Match preview

Speaking in his press conference on Christmas Eve, Guardiola refuted the suggestion that Haaland needs to improve – instead choosing to focus on how the team builds up and creates chances for the No.9.

“It is about us, not just one player,” he said when asked about Haaland.

“In the past when we scored goals and Erling was so prolific and helping us it was because of the team.

“But when you have problems at the back and middle, it is all about the team. Not just one player. If it’s just one player it would be easy to see the reason why. It’s not about that.

“Erling is so important for us, will be important for us and has been and we need to use him better.”

WATCH: Pep Guardiola's Press Conference | Everton (H) | Part 1

Speaking in his press conference on Christmas Eve, Guardiola refuted the suggestion that Haaland needs to improve – instead choosing to focus on how the team builds up and creates chances for the No.9.

“It is about us, not just one player,” he said when asked about Haaland.

“In the past when we scored goals and Erling was so prolific and helping us it was because of the team.

“But when you have problems at the back and middle, it is all about the team. Not just one player. If it’s just one player it would be easy to see the reason why. It’s not about that.

“Erling is so important for us, will be important for us and has been and we need to use him better.”

WATCH: City's best Premier League home moments against Everton

Ahead of the Boxing Day early kick-off with Everton, Guardiola was also keen to highlight that his players are giving their all despite recent results.

“This situation is new for all of us. It’s about us, everyone. The guys are running and making an effort more than ever,” he said.

“People say we are not running, fighting, it’s this player, this manager - it is not about that.

“It is about many little details or some big details that make us not as good as we were. But we have another opportunity on Boxing Day.

“We have players coming back and at a certain time we will be better.”

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.