The story of John Stones’ comeback is one of tenacious perseverance in the face of some really difficult circumstances.
After being effectively booted out by Pep Guardiola, he appeared done at Manchester City at one time in the summer of 2020. He had to endure the double pain of losing in important finals for both club and nation the following year.
However, the English defender has managed to reinvent himself, and no one would contest the fact that, at 29, he is now among Guardiola’s most crucial players going into Saturday’s Champions League final against Inter Milan, which has the potential to give City the Treble.
This year, Stones has excelled at centre back, right back, and midfield, often all within the span of one 90-minute period. He has always performed better on big stages, whether it was a 4-0 victory over Real Madrid or last Saturday’s FA Cup victory against Manchester United.
Even he seems to find it difficult to believe that, just three years ago, Guardiola decided to start Eric Garcia alongside an out-of-position Fernandinho in City’s Champions League quarterfinal loss to Lyon, which was seen as a hint that his time at the club was coming to an end.
Stones admits, “It was probably one of the toughest times in my career.” I resumed examining myself, being quite critical, and what I could do better.
I considered every small element, including what to eat, when to eat, how to exercise, what else I could do.
I would work late into the night or right after training. I would analyze minor margins and dissect situations to determine how I could rejoin the squad. I went through a steep learning curve that shaped who I am now.
I have never considered leaving City, though. I always wanted to stay, but as soon as you adopt that perspective, you’ve already committed suicide.
“I didn’t want to prove it to you,” I said. “I wanted to prove to myself that I was good enough to be at City, that I deserved to be here, and that I could contribute to the team.”
Prior to being dealt another brutal double-whammy at the end of the season, Stones made some progress in 2020–21. He played with City, which lost to Chelsea 1-0 in the Champions League final, and then lost with England to Italy in the European Championship final.
He admits, “That summer was one of the hardest times to deal with.” But he fought back once more to achieve his peak performance.
If I receive a winner’s medal on Saturday night, all of that will probably make it extra-sweet, but I can’t really think like that right now. After the exam, ask me again. she said with a smile.
It wasn’t only the Lyon game; it could have been any game where you aren’t included and feel like you ought to be playing. Despite that, it’s always challenging at a club like this because we have amazing players.
If I wasn’t on the team, I honestly tried to turn it around for the better and used it to spur me on. With my team pick, I wanted to make sure I gave the manager a headache.
Stones will undoubtedly be listed on the roster for Istanbul. This most recent Manchester City team under Pep has been distinguished by his adaptability, and he always appears at ease wherever he appears on the pitch.
His ability to develop plays in the middle of the field hasn’t affected his defense either. He has never been stronger at reading the play and making crucial interceptions and blocks.
He responds to Guardiola’s request to increase the pitch’s intensity by saying, “I wouldn’t say I was surprised.”
People have claimed that they could envision me playing in midfield when I was a young child. I still enjoy playing as a center-half, and I have adored this position as well.
“I believe I have shown myself that I am capable of doing it, perhaps demonstrating certain qualities the manager noticed in me but which I was unaware of.
“Ultimately, it’s about showcasing what I can do to support the team’s success, and it’s also taught me to respect the goals of the other team members.” I’ve been in that situation before, so I am aware of the types of passes the midfielders would want from me.
In addition to the Premier League and FA Cup titles they have previously won, City are strong favorites to win their first Champions League.
Stones and his teammates shouldn’t be complacent, though, given their previous performance in Europe, which included shocking losses to Monaco, Tottenham, and Lyon.
According to Stones, who spent two years on the pitch with Inter’s renowned striker Romelu Lukaku at Everton, “Inter are in a Champions League final for a reason.”
No matter who we are up against, we respect them. They have tremendous players, and everyone saw how they performed against AC Milan in the rivalry during the semifinals, which is never simple.
We must be genuine and keep our own needs in mind even though we are aware of the challenges we face.