John Stones says challenge of replacing 'big presence' Rodri is 'exciting' for Manchester City team-mates
ByOli Gent
Updated 30/09/2024 at 23:43 GMT+1
John Stones has said that although Rodri will be a "big miss" for Manchester City, it is "exciting" for other players to deputise for him in midfield. The Spaniard was ruled out long-term with a cruciate ligament injury that he sustained against Arsenal. Rico Lewis, Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan played as the engine-room trio in The Citizens' recent 1-1 draw against Newcastle United.
Stones on losing Rodri, wanting to score more, and City's start to the season
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John Stones has said that it is an "exciting" time for Manchester City's players to fill in for Rodri, who has been ruled out long-term with injury.
The Spanish midfielder was forced off against Arsenal with cruciate ligament damage, leaving a gaping hole in the champions' midfield.
Rico Lewis, Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan formed a trio in the recent 1-1 draw against Newcastle United in the absence of Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne, with the Belgian also sidelined with a thigh issue he sustained in City's UEFA Champions League opener against Inter Milan.
Stones - who himself can play, and has been utilised by Pep Guardiola, as a midfielder previously - said that Rodri will be a "big miss" for the Citizens, but highlighted that his lengthy spell on the sidelines meant an opportunity for other players to "step in".
"He’s a big miss for us, we all know that," Stones told TNT Sports ahead of City's UEFA Champions League visit to Slovan Bratislava, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
"I spoke to him yesterday and his recovery is going well. His surgery went well; he seems in good spirits. We’re still in contact off the pitch and we miss him on there, as we do anyone who gets injured.
"Kevin at the minute, Nathan [Ake]. It’s a big blow for him. Massive injury and a lot of time he’s going to spend away from football.
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"We all wish him a speedy recovery. He’s a big presence for us on the pitch in how he plays the game and what he’s done over the past few years.
"But then again, we’ve got incredible players that can play in that position and it’s time and a chance for them to, not step up, but step in and show their qualities, whoever plays in that position which is quite fluid sometimes.
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Stones: Rodri a big miss but challenge to replace him is exciting
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"He’ll be a big miss for us this season, as anyone would who had that injury. It’s exciting for us as players to fill that position and see what comes of it."
Stones has struggled for game time this term, but came off the bench to score a crucial last-gasp equaliser against Arsenal to salvage a 2-2 draw.
He emphasised his desire to score more goals and Guardiola's willingness for his defenders to supplement the attackers in the final third, also demonstrated by Josko Gvardiol's opener at St James' Park.
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"It’s nice to get on the scoresheet for us both," Stones said. "Josko, how he took his goal the other day was incredible. His technique and the way he took it was a bit striker-esque.
"Mine was a bit more of a reaction shot in the box. But nice to be on the scoresheet. Us to be up there and helping the team out is satisfying for us to get points on the board.
"It doesn’t happen too often, but when it does, it’s satisfying. I hope we can get a few more and it’s a part of my game that I’d like to get more goals personally, but for the team, [in] big games, occasions.
"I’d like to bring that side of my game out more. It’s very difficult. I’m sure everyone will chip in at some point, but it’s been us so far.
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"We need to keep getting into those areas and creating those chances and I’m sure we’ll keep slotting them away.
"I think [Guardiola] always wants numbers in the box, which is vital to score. We train it so much that it becomes instinctive.
"If someone is out of position to fill a position, you end up finding yourself in positions that you might not normally do.
"But because we train it and recognise how fluid football can be out of position to create space or get on the ball, occupying those kind of positions.
"What Josko did the other day making that run into the box is what the manager wanted from him and it came off."
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Kovacic says Man City ‘have to cope’ without Rodri, hails Newcastle draw a ‘good point’
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'They have done something unique' - Guardiola
City boss Guardiola believes that his side have done "something unique" for the world of football with their performances in recent years, and spoke of his "attachment" to his group of players.
"It’s difficult to criticise them," the Catalan coach told TNT Sports. "The attachment I have in terms of feelings to this group of players is so difficult.
"Of course, I have to tell them what we believe, but we need to be better, and it is difficult sometimes. They have done - not [just for] me, but the club and the world of football something unique.
"They enjoy this competition. It looks like [we take playing in the Champions League] for granted, but more than 10 years ago, we’d never been here.
"Man City were never here; it was United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal. Now it’s a routine; a lovely routine, and hopefully we can continue."
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He also believes that Stones and Gvardiol are defenders with a knack for goalscoring and getting in dangerous attacking positions.
Guardiola concluded: "It’s good [when the defenders chip in with goals]. When we are in the final third and everyone is there, everyone is 'allowed' to score a goal.
"They are defenders with a sense of goal. Don’t tell me why. John and Josko have this sense."
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