Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho wasn’t fit enough to be part of the squad which faced Liverpool in the Community Shield on Sunday, but was present to celebrate the title with his teammates.
Still in the dressing room, the 34-year-old was interviewed by the Brazilian press, and spoke about the arrival of Rodri, who’s been signed this summer and should fight with him for a place in the team.
Fernandinho said the Spaniard had a warm welcome at the club, and has already proven he’s been a great addition to the squad.
“He proved to us that he’s an excellent player,” Fernandinho told Brazilian journalists at Wembley (via Globo Esporte). “We will help him so he can adapt as quickly as possible and he’ll do everything he knows. I think the most important thing is that the player feels good, feels comfortable, and I hope he can contribute a lot to our team.”
But perhaps there’s an alternative for Fernandinho and Rodri to both have a place in the team. The Brazilian has revealed that after chatting with Guardiola, he’s realised he could be used as a central defender this season, as has been tested in that position already.
“We had a conversation last year and I probably should be used (as a defender) in some games. Of course, I need to train more before to adapt well to this position, which is a different position, but the style of play we play here favours a lot, helps a lot.
“Opening a range of options for the coach, this is very important. Sometimes he wants to set up the team against an opponent in some way, with some pieces, and can’t because of a booking or injury. And if you have a player who can do two or three roles in the team that makes it much easier for him.”
