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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he never doubted following the Brazilian’s solid display in the 3-0 triumph at Shakhtar Donetsk that Fernandinho will be comfortable playing at a back four.
Accidents to Aymeric Laporte and John Stones have abandoned City with 1 fit centre-back at Nicolas Otamendi.
But midfielder Fernandinho was coaching this season and seemed natural there in Ukraine.
“That’s why he’s so critical for people,” said Guardiola.
“We don’t have many choices. I think he’s the only one I have [at centre-back]. Players may perform in that place but Fernandinho is a clever player intelligent – an incredible guy.
“He did well the first match he played [this year ]. Of course he’s got a great deal of knowledge and character, and what he says that the people accompany him in the locker room so it’s important.”
“I didn’t have doubts that he could [look so comfy from the back four].”
This was a quiet night for City’s defence as a portion of an screen in the Champions League Group C opener.
City scored two in the first half – with Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan equally on target – until Gabriel Jesus secured the win after the break with his fourth strike.
Having played Shakhtar at the group stage of all of the three Champions League competitions, City have a list of four wins and one defeat.
Two interceptions, two strong headers won and a accuracy of 90% left for a efficient night for Fernandinho.
“Pep knows about our squad and team and if he desires [us], every player should be ready,” he advised BT Sport. “Today was my time and chance and I hope I could get better and enhance just a bit longer.”
“It was a quiet night [for its defence]. I believe a very good game was made by that the team starting with the guys.
“At the back it was somewhat simpler for us. But for sure we performed now as a team and we all deserved the result – we were better and we created plenty of chances and conceded few chances to them.”
Guardiola was pleased with a result that was the perfect riposte for their shock 3-2 Premier League loss at Norwich on Saturday and puts them up to push for eligibility to the last 16 and the display.
“We saw that the results yesterday and todaywe understand how difficult that the Champions League is. We defended very well and we made chances,” said the Spaniard.
“To start with three things away is so important, it’s in our hands to reach the final 16.
“If you win the manager makes the appropriate decisions, when you eliminate the wrong decisions. We dropped one match in eight months and we will not doubt that these players will be. It is a joy to be their supervisor.”
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