John Stones and Man City team-mates bring Christmas cheer in visit to local hospital… as defender admits his side must shore up at the back if they want to be world champions
- City travel to Saudi Arabia next week to compete for the Club World Cup title.
- They conceded 10 goals in four matches and Stones was sidelined with injury.
- CHRIS SUTTON: I was RIGHT last week when I called the Manchester United players “snakes”. IACO
John Stones has admitted Manchester City must strengthen their defense if they are to make history over the festive period.
Stones recently returned from injury after a month out during which City conceded 10 goals in four games, but his return should see Pep Guardiola’s side bolster their defense.
City travel to Belgrade for a Champions League match against Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday night and host Crystal Palace at the weekend before heading to the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
City won’t find out their semi-final opponents until later this week and kick off the tournament next Tuesday.
“To be able to have the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Super Cup and Club World Cup next to each other in our cabinet is a dream come true and a historic moment,” Stones said.
John Stones and some of his Manchester City teammates visited a local hospital to wish them a Merry Christmas.
Stones posed for photographs with patients at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital in Manchester and also delivered gifts.
Jack Grealish was also on hand to visit patients as part of the city’s Christmas campaign, ‘The Greatest Season Ever’.
“We’re excited to go there and do everything we can to try and become world champions, knowing that it will be extremely difficult against some of the top teams.
“We know we concede too many goals and it has already cost us points this season. We don’t miss any big chances, so it’s disappointing.
“But it’s just football and the Premier League. We know that as a team we need to take the chances we create and defend better.”
Stones has endured a disappointing campaign so far, missing the first two months with a muscle problem that has flared up again. He played only four league matches.
The 29-year-old visited the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital as part of the city’s ‘Greatest Season Ever’ Christmas campaign, which has raised more than £200,000 for community projects for young people in Greater Manchester.
The campaign raised over £200,000 for community projects for young people in Greater Manchester.
During their visit, the players presented gift bags and blankets to the children of the treble winners and enjoyed table football.
Some patients were shocked to see their heroes, but the surprise compensated for them.
Stones was among those who donated gift bags and blankets to the children of the treble winners, and the club donated £10,000 to local food banks, funding three thousand food parcels.
“I’ve come here several times now and always feel inspired after meeting so many incredible people,” Stones added.
“This year has been no exception and I know all the boys are very proud to be here. I hope that these memories will somehow help create a special Christmas for them all.
“I’m ready to compete again after injury and we want to leave more memories for our fans at the end of the season. I worked really hard to get back into shape, played a few games and felt like I was performing at a good level. Then I had another setback which was difficult. But I’m back.
The city also gave £10,000 to local food banks, funding three thousand food parcels during their last hospital visit.
While some players have visited City several times during their careers, this was the first visit for summer signing Jeremy Doku.
The city’s mascots have also taken part in table football, with the team heading to the Middle East after playing Crystal Palace this weekend.
Stones admitted Manchester City must strengthen their defense if they are to win the Club World Cup next week.