Pep: No doubts about Stones’ quality | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola says he is happy John Stones impressed for England during the international break.

The City fan-favourite played against Wales and Latvia and looked at his effortless best for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

Asked if he was pleased with his defender’s recent progress at his Friday press conference, Guardiola said: “I’m happy he’s back and there are no doubts about his quality.

“ I’m happy he’s playing for his country.”

The boss was also asked about Stones’ current contract situation.

Stones, in his tenth season at the Etihad, is one of our longest-serving players and still only 31.

But Pep would not be drawn on the question.

“Don’t ask me about that,” he said.

“The club will decide what is best for John [and we will] see how he performs.

“When John is fit, he’s part of the starting XI, but he’s not had the consistency with games.

“We’ll have to wait and see.”

Guardiola was also asked how he would stop Erling Haaland if he was an opposing manager.

The Norwegian has been in irresistible form with 21 goals scored in just 12 games for club and country this season.

“[How would I stop him?]  Four central defenders!” smiled Pep.

“I had the pleasure to face him when he was at Dortmund. Hopefully I won’t face him again for the rest of my life!

“He’s a top class player. In world football there are 4 or 6 players who are unbelievable and make a difference, he’s one of them and I’m really pleased for him.”

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Guardiola was also asked about squad completeness, with players taking their opportunity to stake a claim when others were out injured.

“That’s the point, they have to compete,” he said,

“Jeremy was unbelievable this season but didn’t play against Brentford.

“They have to compete and decide at the end of the day - they have to choose.

“Okay, I need to do better or an excuse. In the end they want to compete and of course everyone has their own players, focus, problems but the one target is to win games.

“You score three goals you’ll play, don’t worry, but if you have excuses you can’t improve.

“One of the reasons for success is we don’t complain about this and that, it’s good they have to compete with each other, and you see them playing good - they’re not stupid.”