John Stones reflects on Man City struggles and shares Pep Guardiola insight

Although John Stones has only started one Premier League games so far this season, the defender for Manchester City and England claims that he is not unhappy with the fact that he is not getting enough playing time throughout the season.

Since John Stones was forced to withdraw from England’s friendly match against Belgium in late March due to a lingering injury, he has only started TWO Premier League matches for Manchester City. Prior to that, he had participated in the encounter against Brazil, which ended in a goalless draw.

In ten of the games, he has been a substitute. In one of the games, he did not make the team, and in four of the games, he has come off the bench. It would be an understatement to suggest that Pep Guardiola is now going through a phase in which he is using Stones in a way that is not very often.

The 30-year-old player, who will earn his 82nd cap when England plays Greece at Wembley on Thursday night, is now in the midst of a stretch in which he is starting more games for his nation than for his club. On the other hand, Stones maintains that he is equipped with the maturity to cope with a circumstance that is not completely foreign to him.

“I’ve been in this position before, where you are in and out and don’t really get a run of games, but you still know how important you are, and you know not to get frustrated and to be there for the team,” he adds. “I’ve been in this position before.”

That is exactly what I have done, and I have been able to make a positive impact both when I have started and when I have been on the bench. During moments like this, more inexperienced players may become frustrated, which may have a negative impact when they are called upon. I am now in a good mentality, and I believe that this is particularly crucial because of the potential for frustration.

What it indicates is that you are not prepared, and that you are not in a positive frame of mind. I am always going to say that I wish I could start every game, but it is a long season and there are a lot of big games coming up. It is always difficult when you want to play, and I often say that I wish I could start every game.

“It’s something I’ve learned over the years… to put my personal problems or feelings apart and be there for the team,” she said. “It’s something I’ve learned to do.” Stones provided a glimpse into how Guardiola and club managers sweat over their players’ international exertions by referring back to the fact that he sustained the niggle during the Belgium friendly.

In his explanation, he says, “You know right away if he is not very happy about players getting injured while they are not under his watch, which is understandable.” We want to play every game as players, especially with England, because I realize how much it means to me as a player to be able to compete against England.

On the other hand, it is also about managing minutes and fixtures, in addition to a variety of other things. Without a doubt, I comprehend. If anything, he is more aggravated than I was. Especially when you go away from your club and then come back wounded, there is a lot of weight and pressure that comes from a lot of different areas. The people there will be agitated, furious, and disappointed because they need you, and you are aware of how they will feel.

“I have been with Pep for nine seasons now, and he knows all my qualities, all my weaknesses, and it is not about trying to impress him or prove anything to him,” Stones said. “It is not about trying to impress him or prove anything to him.” Stones maintains that their connection is still intact, regardless of the difficulties that Guardiola may be experiencing. It is simply a matter of maintaining my consistency and maintaining my standards.

And with regard to the legal troubles that City is facing off the pitch, Stones is content to disregard them. “To tell you the truth, I’m not concerned about it,” he says with a smile. If I am unable to exert control over it, I do not give it the mental space or attention it deserves. That could appear to be a little bit inappropriate, but that is how I handle things. At the end of the day, I have no control over the situation, and I have a great deal of faith when it comes to the club.