Man City English coach Pep Guardiola said he will meet defender John Stones after the Premier League soccer tournament ends to talk about his future. The Stones have suffered from a lack of fitness since joining City in 2016, and their rankings have fallen to the center of the team's defense after Emeric Laporte, Fernandinho, Eric Garcia and Nicholas Utamendi.
British media have speculated that the Stones, whose contract with City extends until 2022, is a demand for Arsenal and his former club Everton. "I have said several times, and I will repeat that I am more than happy with the personality and professionalism of the Stones," Guardiola told reporters before meeting Newcastle United today.
"I want the best thing for him and at the end of the season we will meet to talk about what will happen because sometimes my desire is contrary to the desire of the players or the desire of the club." "I am honest with them and my position is not only with John but with any other player is the need for change and we will talk about that." The Stones only had 12 league matches this season due to an ankle injury.
"Certainly we want to return to play and train for two, three or four months without injuries. John has suffered injuries, but he's definitely competent," he added.