Pep Guardiola thinks John Stones has put his problems behind him to help Manchester City improve their defence for this season. Stones was a marquee signing back in 2016 in Guardiola’s first transfer window at the club and quickly became associated with the new identity of the team – for better or worse. He was outstanding in the first half of the 2017/18 season, but has struggled to hold down a regular place ever since as a result of injuries and personal issues. Guardiola has taken particular pride in the former Everton defender bouncing back and believes he is now in a place where he can be relied upon in the team.
Pep Guardiola said “I’m especially happy for John because he’s a special guy for me. We arrive together here and have spent all the time together,” he said. “He was injured and had personal issues but is now settled again and with more confident performances like the other day he’ll have chances to show his quality in this team. Ruben is playing every game because he doesn’t make mistakes, he leads the line and does almost everything perfect. It doesn’t matter about the past or who you were, you have to win your position every three days. There’ll be some players who are playing good and will not be rotated but if players are playing good they have more chances to stay on the pitch. The guys who play good are going to continue to play, if they don’t make mistakes that cost a lot – especially in defence – they’ll have more chance to continue in the team,” said the coach.. If the guys up front score they’ll have more chance to continue. I judge the players on what they do right now in the present.”
