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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he never doubted following the Brazilian display in the 3-0 win at Shakhtar Donetsk that Fernandinho would be comfortable playing in a back four.
Accidents to Aymeric Laporte and John Stones have abandoned just one match centre-back to City in Nicolas Otamendi.
But midfielder Fernandinho appeared natural that there in Ukraine and was coaching this year.
«That’s why he’s so essential for us,» said Guardiola.
«We do not have many choices. I believe he is the only one I have [at centre-back]. Other players may perform in that position but Fernandinho is a smart player intelligent – an amazing guy.
«He did well the first game he played [this season]. Of course he’s got a great deal of experience and personality, and what he says that the people accompany him in the locker room so that it’s essential.»
«I did not have doubts he could [look so comfy in the back four].»
This was a relatively quiet night for the defence of City as a portion of an authoritative screen from the Champions League Group C opener.
City scored in the first half – with Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan equally on target – until the win was secured by Gabriel Jesus in 2 matches against Shakhtar following the breakup with his attack that was fourth.
Having played Shakhtar in the group phase of all of the previous three Champions League contests, City have a record of four wins and a defeat.
Two interceptions, a passing accuracy of 90% made for a quietly effective night for Fernandinho along with two headers.
«Pep knows everything about our team and team and if he needs [us], every player should be prepared,» he told BT Sport. «Today was my time and chance and I hope I will get better and improve just a little bit longer.»
«It was a quiet night [for the defence]. I believe a game was made by the team beginning with the men up front, who closed the spaces.
«At the rear it was somewhat easier for us. But for sure we played today as a group and we all deserved the outcome – we had been better and we made lots of chances and conceded few chances to them»
Guardiola was pleased with the display and a result that puts them up and has been the best riposte for their shock 3-2 Premier League reduction at Norwich on Saturday to drive qualification to the last 16.
«We saw the results yesterday and now we understand how difficult the Champions League is. We defended really well and we created opportunities,» said the Spaniard.
«To start with three points off is indeed important, it is in our hands to reach the final 16.
«If you win the supervisor makes the proper choices, when you lose the incorrect decisions. We dropped one game in eight months and we’re not going to doubt that these players really are. It is a pleasure to be their manager.»
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