Pep always knew Stones would turn into a diamond
BOSS KEPT THE FAITH
PEP GUARDIOLA has always had faith in John Stones, even in the Manchester City defender’s darkest moments.
Injuries and issues in his private life cast a shadow over Stones in the past year, as the 26- year- old centre- back lost his way, as well as his place for club and country.
It was a dramatic fall from grace for Stones, signed from Everton for £ 47.5million in 2016 and an automatic pick for England on their heady run to the 2018 World Cup semi- finals.
When City signed Ruben Dias for a club- record £ 65m in the summer, it was assumed the Portugal star would join Aymeric Laporte as Guardiola’s first- choice central defensive pairing.
But it is Stones and Dias who have become the preferred defensive duo, forming a formidable understanding and ushering Laporte back into City’s supporting cast.
Even when it seemed Stones was finished at City, unable to stay fit and error- prone when he played, Guardiola had no doubts, remarking during a press conference that he had “mas cojones” than anyone in the room.
“John Stones has more personality than all of us here together in this room, more balls than anyone here,” said Guardiola in Stones’ first season.
“I like that. I love him. Under pressure, people criticise him, they say he won’t play again, so I’m delighted to have John. I love guys with this personality.”
Stones has since set about endorsing Guardiola’s faith in him and his manager’s belief he would return to his best, with an England recall also now likely. When City drew 1- 1 with Liverpool and lost 2- 0 at Tottenham earlier this season, Guardiola jettisoned Laporte in favour of Stones and it proved to be a masterstroke.
And after City’s 2- 0 Carabao Cup semi- final win at Manchester United on Wednesday, in which Stones scored and was assured at the back, Guardiola lavished praise on his rejuvenated defender.
“He made another outstanding performance,” said Guardiola.
“But the most important thing he’s been able to do is something he’s struggled with the past three of four years, which is playing four, five or six games in a row.
“This is so important, for him especially, and for us. So all credit to him. Football is a long career, you always have ups and downs.
“He struggled longer than we expected and he expected, but his comeback is absolutely down to him.
“We can say whatever we want to help him, but hopefully he can continue in this way.”
Stones played down his revival, but revealed his pleasure and pride at the successful partnership he has formed with Dias.
“I’m just working hard trying to play as many games as I can, play as well as I can and give everything for the team and everything for the shirt,” said Stones.
“It’s a pleasure to play with Ruben, how well he’s done coming into the club straight away playing so many games, playing so well.
“All credit to him, I’ll take a bit for him too! Hopefully we can keep moving forward.”