John Stones talks through his new midfield role under Pep Guardiola

John Stones has explained his new midfield role after Man City’s 3-0 win over Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

The centre back has excelled in recent weeks in a new position that sees him venture forward and act as more of a number six than his usual ball-playing centre half.

He was named man of the match against Bayern after a commanding performance in the adapted position, after goals from Rodri, Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva helped City put one foot in the UCL semi finals.

His best moment came with an excellent header across the box that set up the Norwegian striker for a typical poacher’s finish at the far post. 

After the game, Stones revealed it had been a big change for him, as he told BT Sport: ‘[It’s been a] big learning curve for me in positioning, being unselfish, knowing when to create space for others. 

© Provided by Daily Mail John Stones has impressed for Man City in recent weeks while playing a more advanced role than usual © Provided by Daily Mail The 28-year-old was named man of the match in the Cityzens 3-0 win over Bayern Munich

‘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.’

While Stones has had to compete for a place with the likes of Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji this season, he spoke of a good relationship with manager Pep Guardiola that allows him to mould his performance for the team.

He continued: ‘I think [he and Guardiola] have been together seven years now, I know what is expected of me. 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.’ 

‘I think I have tried not to do too much. Players have a 360 vision and that hasn’t come to me yet, if I know I can turn I will, but ‘m trying to keep it simple. It’s about creating space for others.

 The 28-year-old also spoke of how City had won the little moments against Bayern, as he continued: ‘I think we thrive off things and blocks.

Stones has now played over 200 games under Pep Guardiola

© Provided by Daily Mail

They are huge moments in games, fine margins – they are the key moments that matter and we should celebrate those. It gives everyone a huge lift.’

After a slightly inconsistent first half of the season, City now appear to have hit their stride and are still fighting in three competitions.

They can reduce Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League to just three points with a win against Leicester in their next match, while they will also contest an FA Cup semi final later this month.

After nine wins in a row across all competitions, Guardiola’s side could still turn 2022/23 into their best season yet. 

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