Stones ready to fight for Manchester City place

John Stones says he is ready to fight for his place at Manchester City after falling out of favour last term.

Stones started 20 Premier League matches as Pep Guardiola’s side retained the title.

But in the closing weeks of a triumphant campaign, Stones had to watch from the sidelines as Guardiola instead entrusted his captain Vincent Kompany, who struck a vital late winner against Leicester City.

Stones then looked rusty in international action for England as Gareth Southgate’s side lost to Netherlands in the semi-finals before beating Switzerland to claim third place.

Kompany’s decision to join Anderlecht as player-manager could open the door for Stones to return to City’s back line, though, especially as the Belgium international has not been replaced.

“I took some time away in my holidays and reflected,” Stones told reporters. “I’ve come back this season fighting for my chance to play again and put that right.

“I’m sure I will because I’ve got that strong mindset of putting things right and being honest when you’ve done something wrong.

“The last two months were frustrating, but any player not playing is frustrated. You have to respect the manager.

“I wanted to come on and try to affect any game that I could when I came on, however many minutes I got.

“It’s about the team and not about John Stones or whoever else. That’s why we won four trophies last season.”

Done deal! Welcome to the Champions, Rodri 

#mancity pic.twitter.com/CJobsdj7lI

— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 4, 2019

City have added Rodri to a squad packed with talent and Stones is looking forward to the action starting again.

“It’s always non-stop. It’s good to see new faces and obviously the club are wanting to move in the right direction, signing young players,” he said.

“We’ve got quite a young squad now. We’ve still got players to come back from the Copa America and Riyad [Mahrez] from winning the Africa Cup of Nations. The full squad is not back yet while we’re out on pre-season.

“That’s something we’ve got to manage, with the new players coming and trying to settle and then more players coming back, trying to get to know them and how they play. It’s an exciting time for us.”