Pep Guardiola will not consider moving John Stones out of central defence as he aims to keep the player’s confidence and focus on his specialist position. Stones started Manchester City’s opening game of the campaign, playing alongside Nathan Ake in a 3-1 win over Wolves in September. However, he then suffered a setback that caused him to miss the next three games and his two minutes off the bench in the midweek win over Porto was his first appearance since Wolves. Fernandinho’s injury stretches City’s midfield further ahead of the West Ham game with uncertainty over Kevin De Bruyne’s availability. While Stones has previously been used on occasion in midfield, the manager wants him focused on the one position for whenever he is needed next.
Pep Guardiola said “No. I see his position as central defender, If we have some problems maybe he is another alternative but for now I want him confident as a centre-back.”
