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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says that he never doubted that Fernandinho will be comfortable playing at a back four following the Brazilian’s solid display in the 3-0 triumph in Shakhtar Donetsk.
Injuries to Aymeric Laporte and John Stones have abandoned just one match centre-back to City in Nicolas Otamendi.
However, midfielder Fernandinho seemed natural that there in Ukraine and was training this year.
“That’s why he’s so essential for us,” explained Guardiola.
“We don’t have many options. I believe he is the only one I have [in centre-back]. Players may perform in that position but Fernandinho is a player so intelligent – an extraordinary guy.
“He did well the first match he played with [this year ]. Of course he has a great deal of expertise and character, and what he says that the people today accompany him from the locker room so it’s vital.”
“I didn’t have doubts he could [look so comfy from the back four].”
This was a night for City’s defence as part of an authoritative screen from the Champions League Group C opener.
City scored in the first half with Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez equally on target – before Gabriel Jesus secured the win in two games against Shakhtar following the rest with his strike that was fourth.
Having played with Shakhtar in the group phase of each of the past three Champions League contests, City now have a record of four wins and a defeat.
Two interceptions, a passing precision of 90% made for a quietly effective night for Fernandinho and two solid headers won.
“Pep knows everything about our squad and team and when he wants [us], each player ought to be prepared,” he advised BT Sport. “Now was my time and chance and I hope I could get better and enhance a bit longer.”
“It was a silent night [for its defence]. I think a very good game was made by the team starting with the guys.
“At the back it was a bit easier for us. However, for sure we performed today as a team and we deserved the result – we were much better and we made plenty of opportunities and surrendered few opportunities to them.”
Guardiola was pleased with an outcome that has been the best riposte for their shock 3-2 Premier League reduction at Norwich and sets them up to drive for qualification to the previous 16 and the screen.
“We saw that the results yesterday and now we know how difficult that the Champions League is. We defended really well and we created opportunities,” said the Spaniard.
“To start with three points off is so important, it is in our hands to reach the last 16.
“If you win the supervisor makes the appropriate decisions, when you get rid of the wrong decisions. We dropped one game in eight months and we will not doubt who these players really are. It is a pleasure to be their supervisor.”
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