Despite winning their fourth Premier League title in five seasons, the 2021/22 campaign failed to see anything else enter the trophy cabinet at the Etihad Stadium.
Domestic success did not come easy for Manchester City, as the side were knocked out of the Carabao Cup uncharacteristically early, falling to West Ham in a 5-3 penalty shoot-out defeat in the Round of 16.
This elimination broke a four-year streak of winning the competition for the Blues.
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The FA Cup would see City progress to the semi-finals before being eliminated by eventual winners Liverpool 3-2, making it the third straight year that the side were sent home at the semi-final stage.
Domestic struggles were something which Manchester City centre-back John Stones talked about with during a recent interview, explaining that the club will have to try for it all throughout the new season - a feat which they have not achieved since the 2018/19 campaign.
“We have got to fight for every competition,” explained Stones.
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”We did it three or four years ago now, we won everything in England.”
Another competition in which the Blues have fallen short in is the Champions League, with it being the only title to elude Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola during his time at the club so far.
The Catalan coach has gotten close to regaining the title, which he achieved twice with Barcelona, on two occasions with the Cityzens.
The first came two seasons ago, when the Blues made it to the showpiece final for the first time ever, losing to Chelsea 1-0 after Kai Havertz scored in the 41st minute.
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The second occasion came last season, where Manchester City blew a 5-3 lead in the closing minutes of the second-leg against eventual champions Real Madrid.
Rodrygo’s last minute brace sent the match to extra-time, before Karim Benzema’s panenka penalty sealed the Blues' fate once again.
Stones discussed the Cityzens’ continental shortcomings, as well as what their most recent exit means to the club.
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“Obviously the big one that the club has never achieved is the Champions League, so we are going to do everything in our power to win that.
Stones continued, “I think our motivation is even higher now after what happened last year in that competition.”
The England defender feels that regaining domestic dominance will help the club get to where they need to be.
“It has been done before, us winning every trophy in England and we have got to make that next step."
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Optimism is not in short supply, as Stones feels that Pep Guardiola’s current squad has what it takes to win it all.
"We have been saying it for years I know, but I truly believe this team and the environment we have got, we can achieve these things."
Topics: John Stones, Manchester City, Premier League, Football
Declan Harris