QUAD SQUAD
Stones: The amount of games when you’re fighting in four competitions does take its toll
JOHN STONES admits chasing the historic Quadruple is taking its toll on Manchester City.
City face Bristol City tonight for a place in the League Cup Final in the 36th game of their gruelling campaign.
They suffered their first domestic loss to Liverpool nine days ago and Stones says it was hard trying to emulate Arsenal’s Invincibles because they have so many tough matches.
“We obviously wanted that, and I’m sure every team does, but it’s such a difficult thing to do,” said the England centre-half.
“The four competitions we’re still in – the amount of games compared to some other teams – you know it takes a toll, no matter how much you rotate the squad.
“Sometimes you’ve got to hold your hands up and say, ‘We gave it our best shot’, which we did. We’ve just got to move on.”
Lee Johnson’s Championship side threatened an upset at the Etihad before the Blues came from behind to win through Sergio Aguero’s stoppage-time goal.
They came a cropper in their next game against Liverpool and Stones claims that defeat has lifted some of the pressure from the players.
“Personally, it wasn’t an added pressure,” he said.
“I think you kind of want to make it happen, but on the other hand you could say it’s a bit of pressure that’s been released from us. Some
people might’ve been thinking it, could we go unbeaten and when is it going to happen? That could’ve been going through people’s heads.”
Stones has slotted back into the heart of the City defence after missing 12 games at the end of 2017 because of a hamstring injury.
He is glad to team up again with Nicolas Otamendi and they have formed a solid partnership for Pep Guardiola in the absence of injured Vincent Kompany.
“I think it’s about time and the training we do out on the pitch,” said Stones.
“That’s massive, you need to know each other’s game and be confident playing with each other.
“That’s what we’ve done. From the start of the season we’ve clicked and it’s been great to play with him, he’s a top player.” Alexander Zinchenko claims City must be wary of the Robins because they have proved they can beat Guardiola’s men.
Zinchenko, who made his full Premier League debut as a makeshift left-back against Newcastle, said: “The first game was not so easy.
“They defended well and at Bristol, it will be a more difficult game. They have shown they can beat us.”