‘Difficult’… Pep Guardiola admits £47m Man City player who started vs Bournemouth still isn’t fully fit

Redaction Simon Brett with Srinivas Sadhanand
Published on 2024-02-26 07:30:00

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that center-back John Stones is still not completely fit. Despite this, Stones put in a stellar performance in his team’s latest 1-0 win against AFC Bournemouth, earning high praise for his efforts.

In the match, Phil Foden scored the winning goal, but it was Stones who stole the spotlight according to Don Hutchison, who named him Man of the Match. Former footballer Izzy Christiansen expressed her admiration for Stones’ ability to read the game and make a significant impact on the field.

Scott Parker also commended Stones, attributing his world-class status to his understanding of the game. Guardiola, however, revealed that Stones is not yet at his peak fitness level, citing previous injuries as setbacks that have affected his form.

Returning from injury, Stones is still in the process of regaining full match fitness. Despite his impressive performances, Guardiola emphasized the importance of game time in improving his condition. As a key player for City, Stones is expected to feature prominently in upcoming matches across various competitions.

With fixtures coming thick and fast, including the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup, Stones will have ample opportunities to build his fitness and reach peak form. As he continues to gain more game time, Guardiola believes Stones will gradually return to his best shape and contribute significantly to the team’s success.

Read Original article on Manchester City News