“I Find it Very Challenging” – John Stones Opens Up on ‘Frustrating’ Injury Problems | OneFootball

John Stones Battles Injury Setbacks in Manchester City’s Evolving Era Under Pep Guardiola

John Stones has never been one to seek the spotlight, but recent admissions from the Manchester City defender highlight a private battle that has shadowed his decorated spell under Pep Guardiola. With only six Premier League starts in the 2024–25 season due to recurring thigh, foot and undisclosed injuries, Stones has faced a period of intense physical and psychological strain.

This is no minor blip in a long career. The 31-year-old also missed two months at the start of the previous campaign with a hip problem, all of which followed his exceptional 2022–23 season. That year, Stones was instrumental in City’s historic treble, thriving in Guardiola’s complex system that saw him take up a hybrid role, seamlessly drifting between defence and midfield.

Such tactical reinvention was a revelation, not only for Stones but for Manchester City as a whole. Yet the physical toll has been unmistakable.

Photo: IMAGO

Emotional Toll and Self-Doubt During Recovery

In a rare glimpse behind the curtain, Stones candidly opened up about the mental strain caused by the repeated setbacks.

“Yes, there have been points where you think: you’ve been giving all this effort, you dedicate all your life, especially how I approach or go about my life and football, I give everything on and off the pitch to be here or be ready to play games and… those are the dark days,” he said.

It is a revealing statement that underscores the psychological battle players often face away from the glare of cameras and trophies.

“It’s self-doubt, a lot of things. It is frustrating for me. I put a lot of pressure on myself. I find it very challenging mentally,” Stones added.

That vulnerability, paradoxically, demonstrates a steely resilience. Stones acknowledged the loneliness and despair that can come with injury layoffs, where progress feels illusory and hope seems just out of reach.

“I have had some very low points in the past season. I just have to (try to) come back but, once you come over those things, you can’t really see the end of the tunnel when they keep happening.”

Photo: IMAGO

Fight and Fortitude from City’s Quiet Leader

What sets Stones apart is not merely technical ability or positional intelligence but the sheer determination that has kept him going.

“All of us have been through different upbringings and challenges through life and what did we do within those situations – was it fight or was it give up?”

In true Mancunian grit, he concluded, “I was a fighter from a young age. In difficult moments, you have to look at the bigger picture and realise what your morals are, what you believe in, and fight to make it worthwhile.”

That mindset echoes the ethos Pep Guardiola instils in his players: adaptability, resilience and a demand for self-improvement. For Stones, the journey has become less about trophies and more about reclaiming himself in the face of uncertainty.

What Stones Means for Guardiola’s Manchester City Project

While the fitness concerns linger, Stones remains central to Guardiola’s vision. His tactical versatility is rare, and when fit, few can interpret the nuances of Guardiola’s demands like he can. Manchester City have proven they can adapt, but Stones is one of those players whose presence elevates the collective.

His story now transcends the pitch. It is about endurance, quiet leadership and a reminder that behind City’s relentless machine lies deeply human struggle and resolve.