5 | John Stones - 2023/24

[Keeper!]

Stones usually takes awhile ( after injury) to get up to speed, Pep throwing him in yesterday was madness, considering how little he's played

Not a good attribute for a player who gets so many injuries.

 

[heslops barnet]

Pep knows he made a mistake with his team selection and tactics. Putting two players, that have had niggling injuries restricting their game time for the last month, was a major gamble, it backfired and was a huge factor in us losing the game. John is coming towards the back end of his career, that will be accelerated if he continues playing and getting injured whilst on International duty. I hope he sees sense, calls time on England, giving him more time with his family and hopefully a thirst to get himself seriously fit for his final 3 or 4 years with us. Pep trusts him for a reason, he’s an outstanding footballer when he’s fully fit. Playing any team when you’re only 80 or 90% at your peak is always going to cause problems and when you’re partnered with Ake, a player that is also at 80-90%, you then have a recipe for the disaster class that we had in the first half yesterday. I hope he stays and we see 2022-23 John boy again next season.

Pep not the tactical genius after all?

 

[come-on-barney]

Pep not the tactical genius after all?

Admitted he got it wrong, which is good enough for me.

 

[K-Bo]

Will be interesting to see what happens with his contract. 2 years left and 30 this summer, right now I wouldn’t renew. Think next season he needs to prove he can stay fit for a larger part of the season and if not we should sell in 2025.

 

[AshtonBlueMooner]

Pep not the tactical genius after all?

Think his success and the trophies won across three leagues, Europe and the World might suggest otherwise.
Can‘t be Alan Ball 100% of the time.

 

[Zabbasbeard]

Think his success and the trophies won across three leagues, Europe and the World might suggest otherwise.
Can‘t be Alan Ball 100% of the time.

Good to see some perspective. Of course yesterday hurt, and there were a few mistakes by Pep and more by the players, but we shouldn't forget all their great achievements.

 

[nellyonthewing]

Admitted he got it wrong, which is good enough for me.

I could have told him it was wrong before the game if he’d asked.

 

[come-on-barney]

I could have told him it was wrong before the game if he’d asked.

Ha ha, but doubt you would have won four in a row :)

 

[Whether or not]

Ultimatum time. If he wants to keep playing international football he has to go this Summer. He took the piss playing those 2 friendlies and it ruined the end of his season with City. Up to him whether he wants to finish the prime of his career winning trophies with City or get 20 more international caps and go back to Everton.

This 100%. JS in playing two friendlies in four days was totally reckless, and he undid all the good work of City in managing the workload of a very fragile player. Pep was obviously furious from the comments made, but not just at Southgate.
You are totally right, for JS after the euros it is decision time, City or England. If he chooses the latter, fair enough, but City cannot continue to carry a key squad member who is constantly injured.

 

[Blue Steel]

Read in the week that he will be arriving at England camp early this weekend to get some fitness back up.

He’ll be on the plane to Germany if fit and well given England’s defensive woes.

I do think his decision to play in the March internationals was mad - they were meaningless friendlies at a crucial juncture in the season and he should have told Southgate to stick it and got back to the club. It’s one thing if you’re a robust player but Stones is so fragile he should have stayed at home.

There is still a role for him here if he can stay fit. Would rather have him as an option than not next season. He’s not had the best year but it’s only been twelve months since he was absolutely imperious for us in the treble win.