12 April 2023 , 07:37
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John Stones admits his complex new hybrid role at Manchester City "doesn't come naturally" to him - but he is thriving with complete trust from Pep Guardiola.
The England international was man of the match as devastating City tore Bayern Munich apart to edge towards the Champions League semi-finals.
Stones was solid defensively against the German champions in another commanding performance in what has been an outstanding season.
But what has been most impressive in recent weeks is how the 28-year-old has seamlessly adapted to the new auxiliary midfield role implemented by boss Guardiola.
Last night, an assured Stones stepped into a no.6 position from central defence - rather than from full-back - to give City an extra option in possession.
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His highlight came with a superb headed assist for the unstoppable Erling Haaland to add City's third and seemingly put the tie out of Bayern's reach.
But he also had the nous and alertness to drop back in defence when required, thwarting the counter-attacking threat of former City man Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman.
"A big learning curve for me in positioning, being unselfish, knowing when to create space for others," Stones told BT Sport when asked if his new role had been a big change.
Stones won the man of the match award with a superb display against Bayern (Manchester City FC via Getty Ima)"It doesn't come naturally, but I'm learning all the time and giving for the team first and foremost. It's about getting on the ball, expressing myself and trying to read situations and you know whatever the manager is asking of me. We work on that in training all the time, so when it comes to match days we know our roles."
Stones feels the trust built up over a long period working with Guardiola means he has full confidence in the manager's plan for him to make a bigger impact in games.
"I think we have been together seven years now, I know what is expected of me," he added. "He wouldn't put me there if he didn't think I would be comfortable or do a role.
"And then it is about us trying to execute that and believing in our own abilities, and trying to do everything I can for the team."