The Spaniard has praised the Brazilian’s influence
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has put his side’s perfect start to the Premier League season down to unsung hero Fernandinho.
The Spaniard has made the perfect start to life in the Premier League, having won all of his first six games in charge. However, despite the Citizens boasting a wealth of midfield talent, including Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne, Leroy Sane and David Silva, Fernandinho has been hailed for his influence on the team.
While having made the move from modest European outfit Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013, the Brazil international’s influence has somewhat gone under the radar. However, Guardiola has heaped praise on the 31-year-old for his start to the season.
“What has happened until now would have been impossible without him. If a team has three Fernandinhos, they would be champions.” said Guardiola.
“We have one but he is fast, he is intelligent, he is strong in the air, he can play several positions.
“When he sees the space he will run there immediately. When you need to make a correction, a challenge, he is there.”
It is a big compliment for the City midfielder, with Guardiola having previously coached the likes of Xavi and Andres Iniesta during a trophy-laden spell in charge of Barcelona.
But despite perhaps not getting the recognition he deserves at times, Fernandinho has been ever-present in both the league and in Europe. And Guardiola wants the Brazilian to be presented with a new contract, who is entering the final year of his current deal.
“I am a trainer, not a manager who controls everything. I give my opinion and after the club decide.” Guardiola added. “If the club decide my opinion is good, hopefully he will stay because I’ve just said what I think of him!”
Guardiola will be hoping his City side can continue their 100% start to the season when they head to in-form Tottenham on Sunday afternoon, to open up a significant lead in the Premier League.
