The England centre-half disclosed that emotions were running high behind the scenes after being on the wrong end of a demoralising 5-1 defeat last Sunday.
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It is a result that deepened their woes this season, leaving them trailing Liverpool by 14 points. Stones asserted that it's now time for Pep Guardiola's men to face some hard truths.
Stones spoke candidly post-match and said: "It's very difficult to put into words. There is a lot of high emotion, anger and we're upset with how the game finished.
"It's one we've got to take on the chin, and hold our hands up on what's gone wrong and be accountable.
"We can make it complicated, or face it head on. Answer difficult questions, look at difficult footage and be self-critical is the best way to approach this
"We need to be truthful. We've been through some difficult periods in the past. We have to put the pressure on ourselves to improve."
He added that an in-depth examination of their play is key: "We will watch the game back thoroughly and be self-critical. We have to look at ourselves.
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"Look at what we can do better to manage these situations. Collectively, we have to move forward. I definitely don't take losing well, and I don't want to be in a situation like that again this season."
Stones also emphasised the need for the City squad to stay behind each other, continuing: "It is also vital the squad remains united. We've got an incredible group of lads.
"Experienced guys and hungry winners. We need to stick together and find that spark within us again, which we showed in so many parts of our game in the first half. We've got to stick together in these times."
