Pep Guardiola admits Man City ‘have to add players’ in January with struggling champions looking to bolster defence and midfield

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Man City are planning to be active in the January transfer window.

City host Everton in the early kick-off on Boxing Day and come into the match on a run of just one win in 12 games.

The reigning champion seemed a shadow of his former self, plagued by injury problems and an aging squad.

The loss of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri to a likely season-ending cruciate ligament rupture is something the team has shown no signs of recovering from and Guardiola accepts they need reinforcements.

Speaking to Amazon Prime Video Sport, he said: “We definitely need to add players if we can.

‘We are having a hard time, especially at the back, in the middle. When I say that, I don’t know it’s going to happen.

‘In the transfer period, in the winter, it is not easy, but everyone is aware of it. I think even the players are asking if we can please add some players.