John Stones may be one of Manchester City’s most seasoned and established players, but when it comes to legal battles, he’s more than happy to let the experts handle it.
This week, Manchester City achieved a potentially groundbreaking victory in a legal dispute with the Premier League. The verdict? The Premier League’s Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules were deemed unlawful and anticompetitive. Fans and pundits alike have been left wondering what this development means for the future of English football. However, Stones has a straightforward piece of advice for anyone fretting over these complicated matters: don’t.
Adding to the week’s drama, it was revealed that City’s long-serving director of football, Txiki Begiristain, is set to step down at the end of the season. Though not entirely unexpected within City’s inner circle, the announcement could signal the beginning of a new era, with questions inevitably swirling around Pep Guardiola’s future.
Amid all of this, City is still dealing with the Premier League’s 115 charges over alleged financial breaches—a legal battle that could have immense consequences. But for Stones, none of this is something to lose sleep over.
When asked about the APT ruling and Begiristain’s potential departure, Stones was refreshingly candid. “The honest truth is no, it doesn’t worry [me],” he said. “I’m very much of the mindset that if I can’t control something, I don’t give it the headspace or attention. That might seem wrong to some, but that’s how I handle things.”
He added, “At the end of the day, it’s out of my hands. I trust the club and the people around me. I’ve got a simple way of thinking: I focus on what I can control. It seems to have worked for me so far.”
As for his playing time this season, Stones has adopted a similarly pragmatic approach. He’s found himself sidelined more than usual, with Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji securing the majority of starts. Even so, Stones has stepped up when needed—such as in the closing moments against Arsenal, where he helped City earn a draw, and against Fulham, where his late-game heroics helped secure three points.
Reflecting on his current role, Stones remains philosophical. “I’ve been with Pep for nine seasons now; he knows my strengths and weaknesses,” he said. “It’s not about trying to prove anything to him at this point. He already knows what I bring. It’s about being ready when my moment comes.”
Stones emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, even when not starting regularly. “It’s crucial to stay positive when you’re out of the squad. That’s something I’ve learned—being there for the team, even when you’re frustrated and want to be on the pitch, is key,” he explained.
“I believe that’s a big part of why we’ve been so successful. Players who aren’t starting have stayed mentally strong and ready to contribute. That mindset is massive. If you’re down or overthinking things, it’ll show when you do get your chance. We’ve got so many games, and the manager has told me how important I am, even if I’m not always in the starting eleven. I know my time will come, just like it will for other players.”
Stones’ calm and collected approach might just be the secret to navigating the turbulent waters surrounding Manchester City—both on and off the field.
