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Stones struggled to deliver under weight of
expectations when he joined City from Everton last season, then
as the world's second most expensive defender behind Chelsea's
David Luiz.
However, Guardiola's constant support and work behind the scenes
with the 23-year-old is finally paying dividends as Stones
helped City claim six clean sheets over the last seven games in
all competitions.
"He's (Guardiola) always positive and wanting me to do better
and that's what I try to repay him on the pitch," Stones told
reporters.
"The games this season speak for themselves: clean sheets both
in the Champions League and Premier League. I feel like I'm
developing as a player and a person under him.
"That's all down to the players around me, him and the staff
that are there. All I want to do is keep this run going and see
where it takes us."
Premier League leaders City have scored 22 goals and conceded
just twice in their opening seven league games as players appear
to be responding to the demands of the Spanish coach's attacking
philosophy.
Stones believes his England team mates have what it takes to
play a similar style but said that results take priority on the
international stage.
"We've got the players to do it," Stones said.
"It's so different -- but we're always striving to become better
and there's a lot of likeness between how City play and
international football. But to gel all those things is very
difficult."
England will qualify for next year's World Cup in Russia if they
win at home to Slovenia on Thursday, while a draw will also do
the trick if Slovakia fail to beat Scotland away in the other
Group F qualifier. (Reporting by Hardik Vyas in Bengaluru;
Editing by Christian Radnedge)
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