Manchester City could be playing a significant number of games throughout the 2024/25 season.
As usual, City will be competing to win the three domestic trophies on offer to them – the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Then in Europe, they are currently featuring in the brand-new version of the Champions League before eventually going on to take part in the FIFA Club World Cup over the summer.
This, therefore, will likely see a lot of players in City’s squad get a decent amount of minutes this season.
Despite that, Pep Guardiola has now opened up about why one particular figure in his ranks has not played a prominent role in the team so far.
Guardiola shares why Stones has not been starting regularly
Speaking in his recent press conference ahead of City’s Champions League match against Sparta Prague, Guardiola was asked why John Stones has not been starting games regularly this season.
In response, the City manager gave this explanation.
He said: “John looks like he was my son. Honestly, so I know his body language, I know everything of him. He’s one of the most adorable professionals and a lovely person. There is no person I know more than him.
“The only reason [Stones hasn’t been starting] is because Ruben [Dias] and Manuel [Akanji] were in incredible top form. It’s not a lack of confidence, it’s not bad form, whatever.
“He knows when he is fine and when he’s not. You know how many meetings, games and training sessions we have had together. It’s not about that but sometimes Ruben gives you something, Manu gives you something.
“It’s not about [how] he gave us one point against Arsenal, two points against Wolves for the goals he’s so important. Having a sense of goal – incredible in the box. It’s not about that.
“John appreciates an incredible amount of things that he does for us. I’m so happy to have him with us. I love him.
“There’s a lot of these guys, that’s why I’m still manager here. I like to be with them and they know I want to try and help them. I know from his body language he’s fit, he’s ready. Of course, we need him.”
City want Stones to sign a new contract
Appearing in just five of City’s eight league games this season, the defender has only started two of them.
His most recent league appearance saw the Englishman score the Citizens’ late winner in their 2-1 win over Wolves.
Interestingly, Stones has scored as many Premier League goals as Bukayo Saka this season following his late heroics at Molineux.
In terms of his long-term future, it was recently reported that City are looking to offer Stones a new contract, with the 30-year-old’s current deal set to expire in 2026.
With all of that taken on board and Guardiola’s recent comments, there’s no doubt about how much Stones is appreciated by the manager and his coaching staff.
Given how many games the Blues could go on to play throughout the season, it’s likely that the defender will be playing a fair number of matches if he can avoid any injury issues.
