Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has lifted the lid on John Stones' revival this season.

Guardiola indicated that he had feared for the player as his form, fitness and confidence spiralled and he cut a desolate figure.

“What I want from my players - all of them, not just John, is to be happy," said Guardiola. “He struggled to be happy here - especially with injuries, some personal problems, for many reasons, a lack of minutes. I didn't see him like he is right now.

“In the past, he was not like he is now, with the stability, the mentality, happiness, commitment, focus and everything. Of course in that moment, everything happened but that's why I give a lot of credit to him."

Stones knuckled down, working on his fitness after being plagued by a succession of muscle injuries.

And he clearly never lost faith in himself, even though Arsenal and Chelsea were sniffing around the possibility of him leaving the Blues.

“He overcame this situation himself," said Guardiola. “He could have fallen down and gone even more down, but it was completely the opposite.

“He said 'No, I'm here, I know how good I am'. He didn't need my confidence, he didn't need the words, he didn't need the minutes.

“He said 'I know who I am, I know I'm a top central defender and guys, I'm coming to show you, the whole of England, the whole Premier League and the whole of the world that I'm good'.

“This is the only way. Players who need confidence to play, it's a big mistake, they cannot be here.

“The confidence can come from themselves, from their mentality. If you haven't got the right mentality, about how good you are … you have to feel you are the best.

“When that happens, you can play. You just need your time and you use it. The time arrives. They know it."