49erssports.com - John Stones did not hesitate to sing praises to his coach, Josep Guardiola. Once knowing and working with Guardiola, Stones was able to find a new perspective in football.
Guardiola signed Stones from Everton in 2016. At that time Manchester City spent quite a lot, Stones became the second most expensive defender in transfer history.
John Stones did not hesitate to sing praises to his coach, Josep Guardiola. Once knowing and working with Guardiola, Stones was able to find a new perspective in football.
Guardiola signed Stones from Everton in 2016. At that time Manchester City spent quite a lot, Stones became the second most expensive defender in transfer history.
The transfer decision proved right. Stones' career took off under Guardiola, having struggled for several seasons, but is now back at a high level.
Interestingly, Stones mentions that everything in his football career has changed since getting to know Pep. What does it mean?
Feel like you don't know anything
Guardiola is known as one of the philosophers with a distinctive playing style. Almost every player Guardiola has coached praises the coach's understanding.
Now, the Stones also said so. He was able to understand football in a wider perspective since getting to know Pep.
"Honestly I felt I understood football quite well after leaving Everton. However, after starting training for a week or two [at Man City], I felt I knew nothing about Bola," Stones told Goal.
"What's in his head and how he views other teams, I can't explain it in simple words, he's amazing."
Pep's Success
Furthermore, Stones also emphasized that rapid development under Guardiola's guidance was not achieved easily. The players have to keep showing hard work every day.
"Intense and very demanding [Pep's training sessions]. And I think that's what made him so successful in my six years with him," continued Stones.
"It is in his blood that he does not want to be number two and does not want to let his standards drop. He continues to do that every day," he said.