Pep Guardiola reveals most disappointing moment, blames England

The Spaniard said he had never been more ‘angry’ than when Stones returned injured from the England camp back in March.

Stones had very a successful 2022-23 season, making 34 appearances across all competitions for Manchester City.

But after making only four starts in 2024, he was called up by the then England boss, Gareth Southgate for friendly matches against Brazil and Belgium.

The 30-year-old played the full 90 minutes against Brazil and, surprisingly, started against Belgium as well.

However, he had to leave the pitch as early as the 10th minute due to an injury. As a result, the defender missed City’s next two games, including a pivotal clash against Arsenal, which was seen as a potential title decider.

Manchester City are now battling with several injuries as well, including Kyle Walker (knee) sustained during the recent international break with England.

“I was never as so angry like that moment [John Stones’ injury earlier this year]. Never ever before I was so disappointed. It was a friendly game. And we were playing Champions League quarter-finals against Madrid, and the Premier League to win it, and from friendly games for two players to come back injured. I didn’t like it, at all!,” he said ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League clash with Sparta Prague (via City Xtra).

“Before when I was a player, the national team manager called the clubs. Now nobody talks. How they feel, how they are. Maybe the physios talk, but the managers never. In the first or second season with Gareth [Southgate] yes, but now no,” he added.