EFL Cup

John Stones: 'Quadruple quest will take its toll on Manchester City'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 23 January 2018

John Stones says that he and his Manchester City teammates are focused on their pursuit of silverware on four fronts, having suffered a first domestic defeat last week.

John Stones has admitted that remaining in contention for four trophies will 'take a toll' on Manchester City's players, as they attempt to reach the final of the EFL Cup.

The Citizens are 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League after 24 games and still in contention in three other competitions, including the Champions League and FA Cup.

All focus for the two-time Prem champs is now on Tuesday evening's semi-final clash with Bristol City at Ashton Gate, which they head into with a 2-1 lead from the first leg.

Stones hopes that he and his teammates have the legs to last the distance, having seen their unbeaten domestic run come to an end at the hands of Liverpool last week.

"We obviously wanted [to go undefeated in the league], and I'm sure every team does, but it's such a difficult thing to do," he told reporters.

"The four competitions we're still in, the amount of games compared to some other teams, you know it takes a toll, no matter how much you rotate the squad.

"I think sometimes you've got to hold your hands up and say, 'we gave it our best shot', which we did. I think we've just got to move on."

City beat Newcastle United 3-1 in their most recent outing, coming a week on from the 4-3 loss at Liverpool.