“Really enjoying it” – John Stones explains new Manchester City position after Champions League first-leg success

John Stones has expressed his surprise at being named Man of the Match following Manchester City’s impressive first-leg 3-0 win over Bayern Munich at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night, as the Englishman detailed his new defensive position.

Manchester City took a significant step towards the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in midweek, beating Bayern Munich 3-0 in the first-leg of their quarter-final tie.

John Stones assisted Erling Haaland’s goal in the 76th minute, as the Norwegian netted for the 45th time this season to make it 3-0 to the Blues.

Midfielder Rodri smashed City into the lead midway through the first half, scoring his first Champions League goal with a sublime long-range strike into the far corner.

City doubled their advantage in the 70th minute, capitalising on a mistake from Dayot Upamecano, with Bernardo Silva providing the finish after Erling Haaland’s smart cross.

The 22 year-old forward would then become goalscorer, scoring his 11th Champions League goal of the campaign courtesy of Stones’ leaping header back across goal.

Stones once again played in a newly formed, hybrid defensive position, stepping into a midfield role and featuring at right-back.

The 28 year-old has played a major role in the Blues’ uptick in form as Pep Guardiola’s side bid to win the Premier League, Champions League and Emirates FA Cup.

Stones has started 11 games for Manchester City since the World Cup and has featured heavily in City’s latest winning run.

Discussing his new position after being named Man of the Match on Tuesday evening, the England defender said: “[I’m] Really enjoying it, and enjoying contributing as much as I can!”

“Whatever you want to put on it, to be honest, I give it everything every time, I feel like I’m giving everything.

“I’m not sure how I got Man of the Match, I think anyone could have got it. I don’t know what to say about that, to be honest.”

City travel to the Allianz Arena with a three goal advantage next week, with either Chelsea or Real Madrid awaiting the winners of the tie in the semi-finals.

Prior to next Wednesday’s second-leg clash in Germany, City face Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday where they will have the chance to move within three points of league leaders Arsenal.