CALL ME THE FIXER Fernandinho covers, presses, attacks MANCHESTER BOOT ROOM and defends... and he just loves it!
CITY LIKE A BIT OF HOW’S YER FATHER
HE’S been called the Smiling Assassin and Pep Guardiola’s enforcer, but midfield general Fernandinho prefers his own label – the Fixer.
In a Manchester City team full of artistry and beautiful football, Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling grab the headlines and soak up the adulation.
But without the defensive diligence of Brazilian protector Fernandinho, City’s swashbuckling style wouldn’t be quite so effective.
The 33-year-old, who has committed more fouls than any of his teammates this season, has been identified by TV pundits Gary Neville and Martin Keown as a destroyer whose job it is to stop opponents getting at City’s defence.
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And that’s why the Etihad gatekeeper will be as vital against Manchester United today as any of Guardiola’s attacking disciples.
“The responsibility on me is big but I feel great because I know how important I am to the team,” said the South American.“my role is to fix things, especially in the middle of the pitch.
“Benjamin Mendy is an attacking player and sometimes I have to block that left side when he goes forward.
“On the other side, Kyle Walker also likes to go forward so I have to watch that space too.
“Sometimes you get players who are faster than you or who can trick you with some skill so sometimes you make the foul. But I would say that in football contact is normal, especially in England. You have to do it sometimes.
“If opponents break our lines and they are attacking our box it means something has gone wrong and it is me who has to fix it.”
Challenged about being dubbed the Smiling Assassin, Fernandinho breaks into hearty laughter.
“Why? I am a nice guy! I smile because I am a happy guy!” he said.
“Look I have heard what’s been said. But most of the time I recover the ball without making a foul.
“In Brazil they used to call players who play in my position a defensive FERNANDINHO reckons Manchester City make winning look like child’s play... because Pep Guardiola is the Daddy.
The Brazilian has revealed Guardiola treats his stars like his children and tries to teach them the right football habits every day.
“I think now we understand more how he wants to play. We understand the things he wants much better,” the Brazilian said. “It’s not like the first midfielder. But it is not defensive. I try to win the ball high up the pitch to start attacks. I know I have enough quality to play in a team that likes to play attacking football.
“Even in an attacking team like City, a big part of the game is to know also how to defend.
“And it isn’t just me. When the other team has the ball we are all under instruction to win it back. We defend with 10 outfield players.”
Fernandinho said there was anger in the City dressing room when they lost 3-2 at home to United in April – and harsh words were exchanged.
“Pep was angry but everyone was angry. Very angry,” he said. season when it took him time to make us understand his ideas.
“Some players didn’t understand immediately what he wanted in that first year. Everyone was learning about what he wanted.
“Now, it only takes a gesture from him and we understand. It has become easier.
“When you are a father, when you talk to your son or your daughter for the first time, they don’t understand you. You
“We were only beaten twice in the Premier League so of course it hurt that we lost to United.
“The last derby was a unique game. We had the chance to win the title against our biggest opponent and we missed it.
“But that is in the past. We cannot think about that now. And I don’t think you should talk about revenge in a derby.
“United are a very dangerous team. When you see their line-up they have quality players who can make the difference in games.
“We have to be very, very careful with them.”
Fernandinho is 34 next May and his days as Guardiola’s sentry are drawing to a close but he said: “I look after myself the same as I have always done.
“Nothing has changed – although maybe I would like to drink a little bit more wine!”
A toast to victory over United today would never taste sweeter. have patience because you are a father and you keep talking to them and eventually they do understand.
“You tell them, ‘You have to do this, you cannot do this’ and as they grow they start to get it. They understand what you’re saying.
“Then, when they understand, they are no longer babies. They are growing up.
“That is what it is like with Pep.”