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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says that he never doubted after the Brazilian’s strong screen in the 3-0 win at Shakhtar Donetsk, that Fernandinho would be comfortable playing in a four.
Accidents to John Stones and Aymeric Laporte have left just one match centre-back to City in Nicolas Otamendi.
But midfielder Fernandinho has been coaching as a guardian this year and looked natural there in Ukraine.
«That is why he is so critical for us,» explained Guardiola.
«We do not have many choices. I believe he’s the only one I have [in centre-back]. Other players may perform in that position but Fernandinho is so intelligent and a smart player – an amazing guy.
«He did well the first match he played [this year ]. Of course he has a lot of experience and character, and what he says the people follow him in the locker room so that it’s vital.»
«I did not have doubts he could [look so comfortable in the rear four].»
This was a night for City’s defence as a portion of an display in the Champions League Group C opener.
City scored in the first half – with Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan equally – until Gabriel Jesus sealed the win after the break with his strike.
Having played Shakhtar at the group stage of all of the past three Champions League competitions, City now have a list of four wins and one defeat.
2 interceptions, a passing accuracy of 90% made for a quietly efficient nighttime for Fernandinho along with two solid headers won.
«Pep knows everything about our team and team and if he needs [us], each player should be prepared,» he advised BT Sport. «Now was my time and opportunity and I hope I can get better and improve a tiny bit longer.»
«It was a quiet night [for the defence]. I believe an excellent game was made by that the team starting with the guys up front, who shut the distances.
«At the back it was a bit simpler for us. However, for sure we played today as a group and we deserved the result – we were much better and we created plenty of chances and conceded few chances to them»
Guardiola was delighted with the screen and a result that has been the best riposte to their shock 3-2 Premier League reduction at Norwich on Saturday and sets them up to drive qualification to the last 16.
«We saw the results yesterday and now , we know how difficult the Champions League is. We defended really well and we made opportunities,» said the Spaniard.
«To begin with three points off is so important, it’s in our hands to reach the final 16.
«When you win the supervisor makes the appropriate choices, when you get rid of the incorrect decisions. We dropped one game in eight weeks and we will not doubt that these players are. It is a pleasure to be their manager.»
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