Pep Guardiola mentioned the strong collaboration between the club and the England national team in managing John Stones' playing time during England's 3-1 EURO 2024 qualifying victory against Italy last week.
Guardiola said: "We were a little bit concerned but we spoke with Gareth Southgate and have an incredible relationship."
"I texted Gareth and Txiki (Director of football Txiki Begiristain) spoke with him after the game. We were concerned because Stones did not play one minute in the last two months, and we don't know how he will recover."
"He’s been important all the years and especially last season, but of course it’s perfect for us, he got the minutes and rhythm, but what happened if he got injured?"
"This was a concern, but they said we’ll take care of him, we’ll give him minutes - not 90 - and they did it. We want the playuers to play for their countries, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Netherlands, Portugal, Croatia... it’s perfect for them."
"They love to play for their countries, and I’d never say don’t go. But always they have to understand that if one of the players didn't play a minute with us then we’d be concerned, But fortunately everything is right and John's ready for the next game."
