A golden nine-year relationship is being pushed by international duty and Manchester City’s range of defensive alternatives
Erling Haaland has scored the most goals for Manchester City this season. There is a case for arguing that John Stones has scored the most important. They have gained an extra three points courtesy of his injury-time interventions, in the 98th minute against Arsenal and the 95th at Wolves. Once again, he has become a talismanic figure: the hybrid of defender or midfielder in the treble-winning season now has a new role as a goalscorer.
If Guardiola and Stones is an enduring relationship, it is an intriguing one, too. Yet even as Guardiola eulogised about a player he claimed looked like his offspring, he criticised him too. Stones is the pseudo-son who upset him.
“I was never so angry like that moment,” said Guardiola. “Never before was I so disappointed.” The moment in question came when Stones limped off early in England’s March friendly against Belgium; a crucial friendly to prepare for Euro 2024, as far as the defender and his country were concerned, but for Guardiola it was a non-competitive match that came just before a potential Premier League title decider with Arsenal and a Champions League quarter-final with Real Madrid.
And yet, Stones suggested recently, his manager was also annoyed with him. “You know straightaway if he’s not very happy,” he reflected when – once again – away with England. “Players getting injured while not on his watch. There is a lot of weight and pressure, especially when you go away from your club then go back injured. You know how upset, angry and frustrated people there will be because they need you.” Guardiola’s complaints reflected the primacy of the club game, the reality City pay Stones’ wages. “Sometimes you have to respect the clubs,” said a man who, it is thought, could be interested in managing England in the future. “In friendly games you cannot be injured. You can play, absolutely, but you cannot come back injured.”
About The Author
