Central defender John Stones suffered a new injury in Manchester City's 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in a Premier League match on Friday. The Englishman was substituted at half-time after his first start as a starter in a month because of a foot problem. That injury has flared up again, City manager Pep Guardiola said, BTA reported.
Guardiola cited injuries as a factor in the worrying crisis for the four-time defending champions, who have lost nine of their last 12 games in all competitions. But despite the poor run, the club's management has remained strangely silent and the only one to comment on the matter is Guardiola.
On Friday, it was confirmed that Ruben Diaz will be out for up to four weeks with a muscle injury. "At the moment we only have one central defender in good form, and in such a situation it is difficult to assemble a combat-ready squad", said the Spanish specialist.
But against the backdrop of the literally stunning free fall of the champions, not only has there been no reaction from the management, but Guardiola continues to defend and support his players.
"First of all, we have to think positively, but I have incredible confidence in the boys anyway. Some of them are really hurt and I see them suffering with their pride. I think they have a huge desire to make a turnaround that will bring us back to the top," said Guardiola after today's defeat in Birmingham. John Duran scored the opening goal of the game, and Morgan Rodgers added another in the second half to give Villa a win.
The manager gave his players two days off this week to clear their heads, saying the team's poor performance "is only in our minds now". That did not help much, as the picture at Villa Park was not very optimistic. Guardiola, however, has a different opinion.
"Step by step we will get back to the top. We have personalities in the squad, they will not give up". Erling Haaland also expressed support for the manager. The Norwegian striker said: "He has won the Premier League six times in seven years, so we will never forget that fact and accept the situation we are in".