Pep Guardiola has insisted Manchester City won’t sign a backup for Fernandinho in January.
The 34 year old has been an undisputed Guardiola favourite and has been an ever present in the midfield. Despite being on the wrong side of the thirties the Brazil international has featured in every Premier League match this season.
City have been in cruise control from the start of the season and Fernandinho’s influence cannot be ignored. But except Fernandinho, the Spanish manager doesn’t have any other options at his disposal and this upcoming gruelling December it could pose a significant threat to their unbeaten tag.
Fernandinho cannot withstand with the rising intensity and week in and week out but Guardiola has made it clear he won’t bring a midfielder in the winter transfer window. “We can play him but we’re going to kill him for next season.
“No way, not today. You cannot play a player every three days.
“We have alternatives – John [Stones] can play there, Danilo can play there, Fabian Delph – even [Oleksandr] Zinchenko can play there, Ilkay Gundogan can play there.
“We have a good squad depth and a few players can play in several different positions.
“I said previously we are not going to the transfer market, I’m so delighted with the squad we have.
“I am sad when many players deserve to play do not play – imagine if we bring another one. It’s better like this.”
