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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says that he never doubted after the Brazilian screen in the 3-0 win in Shakhtar Donetsk that Fernandinho would be comfortable playing in a back four.
Accidents to John Stones and Aymeric Laporte have abandoned just 1 fit centre-back to City in Nicolas Otamendi.
However, midfielder Fernandinho has been coaching this year and looked natural that in Ukraine.
«That is why he’s so important for us,» said Guardiola.
«We don’t have many options. I think he’s the only one I have [in ]. Players may play in that position but Fernandinho is a player intelligent – an incredible guy.
«He did well the first game he played with [this season]. Of course he’s got a lot of knowledge and character, and what he says the folks accompany him in the locker room so that it’s crucial.»
«I did not have doubts that he would [look so comfy in the rear four].»
This was a comparatively quiet night for the defence of City as part of a display from the Champions League Group C opener.
City scored two in the first half with Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez both on goal – until the win was sealed by Gabriel Jesus following the break with his attack in two games against Shakhtar.
Having played with Shakhtar at the group stage of each of the three Champions League competitions, City have a record of four wins and just a defeat.
Two interceptions, a passing precision of 90% left for a quietly efficient night for Fernandinho and two headers.
«Pep knows everything about our squad and staff and if he desires [us], each player ought to be ready,» he advised BT Sport. «Today was my period and opportunity and I hope I can get better and improve a tiny bit longer.»
«It was a quiet night [for the defence]. I think a good game was made by the team beginning with the men up front, who shut the spaces.
«At the back it was somewhat easier for us. However, for sure we played now as a group and we all deserved the result – we were much better and we created a lot of opportunities and surrendered few opportunities to them»
Guardiola was delighted with an outcome that was the best riposte for their shock 3-2 Premier League loss at Norwich on Saturday and puts them up to push for eligibility to the previous 16 and the display.
«We saw that the results yesterday and now we know how hard the Champions League is. We defended really well and we made chances,» said the Spaniard.
«To begin with three things away is so important, it is in our hands to reach the last 16.
«When you win the manager makes the perfect choices, when you get rid of the erroneous decisions. We dropped one match in eight months and we’re not going to doubt who these players really will be. It’s a pleasure to be their manager.»
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