Pep Guardiola has told two Premier League managers he ‘wishes he had their team’ amid Manchester City’s poor season. Far from securing a record-extending fifth successive Premier League trophy, Man City face a battle to qualify for next season’s Champions League after an alarming drop-off this season.

Stones shone in the Treble success by transforming into a dependable solution in defensive midfield, largely alongside Rodri, however with the injury sustained by the Spaniard, Guardiola believes it rules out the idea of the England centre-back returning to the role this season.

The victory in their league-phase finale secured Pep Guardiola's men a spot in the two-legged play-off knockout round