- Pep Guardiola is planning to hold talks with John Stones at the end of the club’s Premier League campaign to discuss the defender’s future.
Stones joined Manchester City in 2016 and has since struggled to fit into the club due to form and fitness problems since joining the club. His performance did not meet expectation and he is ranked behind Aymeric Laporte, Fernandinho, Eric Garcia, and Nicolas Otamendi.
The Center-back current contract at City is due in 2022. He has attracted the interest of Arsenal and his former club Everton in the upcoming transfer window.
Unfortunately, Stones has been limited to 12 league appearances this season due to an ankle injury. Guardiola shared his option on the defender after Manchester City’s game against Newcastle United.
“I’ve said many times, and continue saying, I’m more than delighted with John as a person, as a professional, everything,” Guardiola said
“What I want is the best for him and at the end of the season we’re going to speak about what’s going to happen because sometimes my wish isn’t the wish of the players or the wish for the situation of the club. “the boss added.
“I’m honest with them and the moment I feel – not with John but any player – we have to change; we’re going to tell them.”
“Of course, what we want, for his future and ours, is for him to come back and play and to be able to train during two, three or four months with no injuries. John’s struggled with his injuries, “explained the boss.
“But the quality is there – never doubt it for one second. It’s just when you don’t play, are injured again, you’re rotated and injured again – players are good when they play in a routine… you need minutes, playing being fit.” He added.
