Guardiola backs Stones to shine with City
MANCHESTER, Uni t ed Kingdom: Pep Guardiola has insisted John Stones remains a key player at Manchester City and strongly denied speculation the England defender could leave at the end of the season.
Stones, 23, has not featured for the Premier League champions since the beginning of March after he picked up an abductor injury on international duty.
There had been rumours the centre- back, who signed a sixyear contract when he joined from Everton in August 2016, could be a surprise departure in the next transfer window.
Guardiola, however, was definitive when asked to respond to reports Stones could be among those on their way out of the Etihad Stadium.
“I don’t know how people believe we’re going to sell John Stones,” Guardiola said.
“He is a young player, an international English player. He’s a huge part of the reason why we won the title.
“I don’t know how long I will be here in Manchester, but as long as I’m here, John Stones will be with us.
“When he is injured and comes back, injured and comes back, injured and comes back, sometimes it’s not easy.
“I’m sorry for the guys who announce we’re going to want to sell him. I’m sorry - they lie. I’m not going to comment on the transfers when it’s fake news.”
Guard iola has favoured Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otamendi at the heart of City’s centre and the pair are expected to continue for Sunday’s fixture against West Ham at the London Stadium.
However, Stones may get the opportunity to feature in City’s f inal three matches against Huddersfield, Brighton and Southampton with Guardiola satisfied with the attitude of the defender.
“First of all, he ( Stones) is an amazing guy and he’s going to stay here with me,” he said.
“He is a joy to train, I want to help him, and we cannot forget the first six months with Nicolas Otamendi was excellent, was top.”