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 ahead of Thursday's match, 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.”
Guardiola's comments came a day after he insisted that City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak offers him unequivocal support amid the club's worst run in 21 years.
City went into Thursday's game against the Etihad having lost nine of their last 12 games in all competitions.
Guardiola – who signed a new contract last month – has discussed his own role in the club's slump with Al Mubarak, with the pair in weekly talks.
“I feel incredibly supported,” Guardiola said. 'We both know: if there is a moment when something goes wrong, then we are going to make decisions.
“We say, 'OK, the situation is what it is and what we have to do to improve the team and come on, let's move on to the next one', and it's always been positive.”
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