Manchester City defender John Stones has acknowledged his frustration over limited playing time, having started only two Premier League matches since the end of March. Despite being an unused substitute in ten games, missing one squad, and making four appearances off the bench, Stones is navigating a challenging period where he starts more frequently for England than for his club.
However, Stones remains calm, crediting his maturity for helping him cope with these uncertain times. Reflecting on his current situation, he said: “I’ve been in this position before, where you’re in and out of the team and don’t get a consistent run of games, but you know how important you are. It’s about not getting frustrated and being there for the team. I’ve made a positive impact from the bench and when I’ve started.”
Stones emphasized the importance of staying mentally strong: “I’m in a positive mindset, which is crucial. Younger players can sometimes get frustrated, and that can affect their performance when they’re called upon. You need to be ready, in the right frame of mind.” He admitted the natural desire to play more: “Of course, I want to start every game, but it’s a long season with important games ahead.”
Speaking to *The Mirror*, Stones also opened up about balancing club and international duties, particularly after an injury during a friendly against Belgium. He noted how Guardiola reacts to players getting injured on international duty: “You can tell immediately if he’s unhappy about players picking up injuries while they’re away, which is understandable. As players, we want to play every game, especially for our country, but it’s also about managing minutes.”
Despite any frustrations, Stones maintains that his relationship with Guardiola remains strong. “I’ve been with Pep for nine seasons now. He knows my qualities and weaknesses, so it’s not about trying to impress or prove anything to him.”
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