Pep Guardiola tips John Stones to handle the boos if the Manchester City defender gets a hot reception on first return to Everton
Etihad boss says the £47.5m star is 'strong enough' to cope at Goodison Park in what traditionally is a spicy fixture anyway
PEP GUARDIOLA has backed John Stones to handle the boos if his Goodison Park return turns ugly.
Manchester City's England defender, 22, goes back tomorrow for the first time since his £47.5million August move.
Stones is likely to get a hot reception from the home fans in what is traditionally a spicy fixture.
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But Guardiola said: “He is strong enough. I don’t have doubts about that.
“I would like it if, when some players come back here, our fans respect them playing for that club.
"But I’m not concerned about what Everton do. Hopefully they can respect him because I know how John respects that club.”
Although skipper Vincent Kompany is fit again, Guardiola knows how desperate Stones will be to shine against his old team.
The Manchester City chief added: “All players, when they go back to where they played, they want to show how good they are.
“Everton had a lot of influence on John’s performance and his level.
“So he will try to play as well as he can for his team-mates because it has to be like that.”
Guardiola also revealed Kompany faces a battle to get back to his best.
The Belgian star returns after an eight-week lay-off with a knee problem — the 35th injury of his 8½-year stay at the club.
Guardiola said: “When he is fit, we cannot deny how good Vincent is, but maybe he needs time.
“Mentally he is strong but I don’t want him to put pressure on himself.”
New £28.6m Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus will not make his debut as he has not yet received clearance.
