John Stones did all he could against Real Madrid but he spoke the truth after City’s heartbreaking defeat | OneFootball

Eyebrows were raised when the starting lineups were announced before Manchester City’s 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid at the Etihad last night. Pep Guardiola named five defenders in his starting lineup for the first leg of the Champions League knockout phase play-off first leg. John Stones started the game in midfield and played well. He was then shifted into defence during the latter stages of City’s heartbreaking defeat. Stones did all he could last night, and speaking after the game, he perfectly summed up how everyone felt following last night’s match.

John Stones gave Manchester City the physicality they have sorely lacked in midfield last night. His presence in midfield did look to add another dimension to Pep Guardiola’s side’s play. He was especially dominant when City had their best spell of the game in the first half. But after halftime, the equation changed. Stones had to step into defence after Nathan Ake couldn’t continue after 61 minutes. It is the ultimate compliment to Stones’ play that his presence in midfield was sorely missed during the game’s final stages. Perhaps if injury and fitness issues hadn’t hit Manchester City the game may have turned out differently if Stones remained in midfield.

John Stones was angry and frustrated with last night’s result, but there is still hope for Manchester City.

Speaking after the game Stones echoed the sentiments of many when he spoke of his anger and frustration about how the game ended. In an interview published on mancity.com, he said: “It’s so raw and frustrating for everyone, how we were right in the game, until so late in the game, and then two situations that happened and we end up conceding. It’s frustrating as a defender to come away with that result. I’m angry and frustrated is what I can say. Today we had a great opportunity to maybe go to the Bernabeu 2-1 up, and now we go there needing a goal just to get level.”

Stones anger and frustration echoed the sentiments of many associated with Manchester City come the final whistle. But Manchester City aren’t dead just yet. There is still the second leg to play at the Bernabeu next week. Stones was quick to add that they have another 90 minutes to right the wrong of last night. He added: “It’s not done. We have to stay positive which is difficult right now. Especially in the first half we were right on top. We know the quality they have and how they would come out in the second half and they did that.”

“What happened is avoidable from us as the 11 on the pitch. We have got to do better and it is as simple as that. I’m the first one to hold my hands up and look at what I can do better for the next game. We have to keep a positive mentality and look forward, and we have another 90 minutes to put this right.”

It may feel like it at the moment but Manchester City’s Champions League campaign isn’t over just yet. But they will need the entire team to play like John Stones did last night to get the result they need at the Bernabeu. If that happens City have a chance next week. But it is that type of effort that will be needed for Pep Guardiola’s side to complete a famous turnaround.