Pep Guardiola loses his cool with John Stones with substitute not ready to replace injured Rodri during Champions League clash as Manchester City’s defensive injury crisis worsens
- Defensive midfielder Rodri injured his hamstring in the first-half against Atalanta
- Englishman John Stones was clearly not ready to Pep Guardiola’s frustration
- The Manchester City manager slammed one of the seats in the team dugout
- Guardiola’s side thrashed the Serie A team 5-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was furious with substitute John Stones for not being ready to come on in the first-half against Atalanta on Tuesday.
Midfielder Rodri, who was playing at centre back, seemed to injure his hamstring in the first half and hobbled off the pitch.
But much to Guardiola’s frustration, Stones was not prepared at all to come on, and the City boss was visibly upset at the lack of urgency from the England international.
Pep Guardiola loses his cool with John Stones in the dug out as he slams his hand on the seat
Guardiola has his head in his hands as Stones takes his time to get ready to come on
The Manchester City manager walks away furious at the situation in the first-half
As Stones sorted out his shin pads and socks, Guardiola walked up the steps and motioned to the defender if he was ready or not.
He then slammed the chair and walked hurriedly down the steps, as Stones eventually sorted himself out and came on to replace the stricken Rodri.
City were winning the match 2-1 at the time but Guardiola could not hide his anger at the situation that unfolded.
After the match, Stones told BT Sport: ‘I had them [shin pads] on.
Stones is pictured giggling with Manchester City team-mate David Silva before the match
Stones eventually came on, showing off the black eye sustained on Saturday against Palace
‘I just needed to fix them up properly, time was off the essence and that’s what he [Pep Guardiola] wanted.’
Furthermore, the injury to Rodri gives the Manchester City manager another defensive headache.
Centre back Aymeric Laporte is out with a long-term deal, and knocks to Nicolas Otamendi and Stones himself has forced Guardiola to play midfielders Rodri and Fernandinho in defence.