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 head to Saudi Arabia next week to battle for victory at the Club World Cup
- They conceded ten goals in four games, with Stones sidelined due to injury
- CHRIS SUTTON: I was right to call Man United players 'snakes' last week – IAKO
John Stones admitted Manchester City need to bounce back defensively if they want to make history this festive season.
Stones recently returned from injury after a month away, during which City conceded 10 goals in four games, but his return should see Pep Guardiola's side tighten up at the back.
City are in Belgrade for a Champions League match against Red Star on Wednesday evening and host Crystal Palace this weekend before heading to the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
City won't discover their semi-final opponents until later in the week, starting their tournament next Tuesday.
“If we could have the Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup, the Super Cup and the Club World Cup side by side in our cabinet it would be a dream come true and a historic moment,” said Stones.
John Stones and some of his Manchester City teammates visited a local hospital to spread some Christmas cheer
Stones posed for photos 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 City's 'Greatest Season of All' Christmas campaign
'We are excited to go there and give everything to try and become world champions, knowing that it will be extremely tough against some top teams.
'We know we have conceded too many goals and that has already cost us points this season. We don't give away big chances, so it's frustrating.
'But that's just football and the Premier League. We know that as a team we have to take advantage of the opportunities we create and defend better.'
Stones has endured a frustrating campaign so far, missing the first two months due to a muscle problem that has flared up again. He has only started four league matches.
The 29-year-old visited the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital as part of City's 'Greatest Season of All' Christmas campaign, which has raised more than £200,000 for community projects for young people in Greater Manchester.
The campaign has raised over £200,000 for community projects for young people in Greater Manchester
Players donated gift bags and blankets to the children of the Treble winners during their visit – and enjoyed table football
Some patients were overwhelmed by seeing their heroes, but were made up for by the surprise
Stones was among those who donated gift bags and blankets to children of the Treble winners, while the club donated £10,000 to local food banks, funding three thousand food parcels.
“I've been there a few times now and always feel so inspired after meeting so many incredible people,” Stones added.
“This year was no different and I know all the boys are very proud to be here. I hope these memories help in some way to create a special Christmas for them all.
“I'm ready to go again after injury and we want to create more memories for our fans at the end of the season. I worked very hard to get fit again, played a few matches and felt like I was performing at a good level. Then I had another setback that was difficult. But I'm back now.'
City also donated £10,000 to local food banks, which funded three thousand food parcels during their latest visit to hospital
Although some players have made several visits to City during their careers, the summer signing of Jeremy Doku was the first visit
City mascots also got involved in table football, with the team set to fly to the Middle East after this weekend's match against Crystal Palace
Stones admitted that Manchester City need to strengthen defensively if they are to win the Club World Cup next week