Football
Jonathan Smith, Manchester City correspondent 7y

John Stones 'happy to help' in Man City rout, praises Kevin De Bruyne

ROTTERDAM -- John Stones has said he was "happy to help" Manchester City after his brace in their 4-0 Champions League defeat of Feyenoord on Wednesday, while Pep Guardiola insisted it is too early to say whether the club are playing the best football since he joined.

City followed up Saturday's 5-0 win over Liverpool with an emphatic start to their Champions League campaign away at the Dutch champions.

But despite scoring nine goals in two games without reply, the City boss believes there is still room for improvement.

"It's too early to say -- we have to improve," he told a news conference. "We made a good performance but also there were mistakes.

"Against Liverpool with 11 v 11 the game was equal. In Europe it's so demanding, it doesn't matter where -- winning 4-0 away is not easy.

"We are just in September, you have to win the respect of your opponents. We made a good step last weekend by beating one of the top-six teams at home. Last season it was just Arsenal. If you want to grow you have to beat them.

"'I'm proud that we have scored nine goals in two games when we've had a lot of problems in that. Of course to score two early goals is so important."

Stones capped a fine performance with two headers either side of goals for Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus.

Guardiola has always maintained confidence in the England defender, despite some difficult times last season, and was delighted with his all-round performance against Feyenoord.

"His two goals were so important but John knows what is the gap, where he has to improve, defending the duels," he said.

"He's so young and he is able to achieve and when he does, he will become an exceptional central defender."

It was just Stones' third and fourth goal for the club since his move from Everton last summer and he says he needs to start contributing more strikes -- particularly from the brilliant free kick deliveries of Kevin De Bruyne.

"I don't get on the scoresheet too much, but I am trying to bring more goals to my game and happy I could help tonight," Stones said.

"The delivery is so good from Kevin. He can put it on a plate for you. You can see his quality.

"This is a great start to our Champions League campaign.

"I am trying to work as hard as I can to be better every day, I want to improve and listen to the manager's advice, and learn off the other players."

Guardiola was also full of praise for De Bruyne, who caused Feyenoord constant problems with his movement and sharp passing.

"Kevin is one of the best players I've ever seen in my life in terms that he can make absolutely everything," the Catalan added.

"He's a top, top quality player. We are so proud and so happy he's with us."

^ Back to Top ^