Manchester City’s John Stones was dropped by the Spaniard while at Everton.
England’s John Stones
Manchester City defender John Stones says former Everton boss Roberto Martinez offered no explanation as to why he was dropped towards the end of last season, the Telegraph report.
After being heavily linked with a move to Chelsea 12 months ago, Stones endured a frustrating time at Everton last season as both the player and club came in for plenty of criticism.
The Toffees vastly underperformed and defensively they were poor under then-boss Martinez, resulting in the Spaniard ultimately dropping Stones from the first team.
John Stones
It was a decision which clearly affected the City player’s confidence, and now Stones suggests the situation was worsened as Martinez refused to tell him why he no longer warranted a first-team spot.
“It was a tough period because I was being professional, I was carrying myself well. I wanted to do everything right. I felt I was doing everything I could and deserved to play but still wasn’t,” Stones told the Telegraph.
“That’s when I found it hard. It’s probably a question you should have asked him [Martinez] at the time because he wasn’t telling me.”
Roberto Martinez
Everton conceded a whopping 55 goals last season, and many felt it was the way the defence were set up alongside Martinez’s possession-based philosophy which prompted such a leaky back five.
Stones came in for some harsh criticism, yet thus far at City he has shown his capabilities and displayed a level of maturity in the recent win over West Ham United in regards to decision-making.
The England international will no doubt learn more under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, and many are hopeful he will put last season behind him and go on to reach his undeniable potential.
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