Pep Guardiola lost faith in John Stones' fitness at Man City

Reports indicate Pep Guardiola lost confidence in John Stones' fitness during his final months at Manchester City. Stones, 32, was sidelined for significant matches, including the Carabao Cup final despite injuries to other defenders. His exclusion puzzled teammates and observers, especially as Stones maintained he was fit. The dynamics between Guardiola and Stones reportedly shifted, highlighting a conflict over fitness management. Stones later joined England's squad for the FIFA World Cup as a free agent, following a decade at Man City.

• 9:30 PMYahoo Sports — Revealed: Pep Guardiola ‘lost faith’ in John Stones’ fitness in closing months of Man City tenure