“Never ever before I was so disappointed” - Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola names one injury during international break that made him ‘so angry’

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that he had never been more ‘angry’ than when John Stones returned injured from the England camp back in March.

Stones, who had a successful 2022-23 season with 34 appearances across all competitions, endured a stop-start year last season. After making only four starts in 2024, he was called up by Gareth Southgate for friendly matches against Brazil and Belgium in March as preparation for the Euros.

The 30-year-old played the full 90 minutes against Brazil and 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.

Guardiola is now dealing with several injuries as well, including Kyle Walker’s knee injury sustained during the recent international break.

When quizzed about injuries suffered during international duties, the Spanish manager voiced his frustration with players returning to their clubs with potential problems, specifically highlighting Stones’ injury from last season.

“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 (via City Xtra on X).

Guardiola also expressed his frustration with the lack of communication from international teams to club sides, noting that such communication is rare these days.

“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 (via Mirror).

Stones, however, has made a strong comeback this season, scoring two crucial late goals - the equalizer against Arsenal and, more recently, the winner against Wolverhampton Wanderers. City are now preparing to face Sparta Prague in the Champions League at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, October 23.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola describes John Stones as being like ‘his son’

John Stones was one of the first signings Manchester City manager Guardiola made when he arrived in 2016. Since then, the former Everton player has gone from strength to strength, delivering consistent performances over the past few years.

Guardiola certainly believes he has a strong relationship with Stones and is familiar with all of his ‘body language.’

“John looks like he was my son. I know his body language and everything about him. He’s one of the most adorable professionals. The only reason he wasn’t in was because Ruben and Manu were in incredible form,” he said (via Mirror).

Stones has indeed been a crucial part of the successful era at Manchester City. He has made a total of 264 appearances for the club, scoring 18 goals, and has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and one Champions League, among other trophies.