ESPN Brasil today features an interview with Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho ahead of the new Premier League season, where he discussed everything from his role in the team to Arsenal’s chances of mounting a title challenge.
The 36-year-old, who’s won the last league title with Pep Guardiola’s side, has recently confirmed his stay at the club by agreeing to a new one-year deal.
He now talks about his job at Manchester City, since he’s been an important player both on and off the pitch.
“My role won’t change much from last year. We all know the importance of a football locker room, of having players focused on the same goal and having everyone paddling in the same direction. And I have the quality of, when requested, I am able to contribute on the pitch,” Fernandinho told ESPN Brasil.
“I understand that my work carried out off the pitch will be very important. Because, in the end, everything here that happens outside the pitch can reflect on the performance on the pitch. It’s a very important job and I’m prepared for it.”
By the time Fernandinho still hadn’t signed a new contract, many rumours from the Brazilian media claimed that clubs from his home country had been in touch for his signing.
The midfielder now explains that one of the factors that stopped his return to South America was the big crisis created by the Coronavirus pandemic.
“The Covid issue has become a pretty big hurdle. We follow it from afar and see the difficulties that everyone is having. I’ve been talking practically every week with my family. Things are complicated for everyone. People with a lack of jobs, the situation is really complicated.”
Fernandinho was also asked to name all the clubs who could challenge Manchester City for the league title this year.
“The tendency of teams is to improve with each passing year, signing new players, giving new faces, bringing new energy. This is important for competition, to increase the level of competition, to increase the level of competitiveness between teams. These clubs will have the possibility to face our team in the season.
“Undoubtedly Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, maybe Tottenham, maybe Arsenal, who are a young team, but they have a coach who has a very good future ahead and who maybe can fight among the top five, six.
“Without a doubt it’s going to be a very difficult season for everyone. Whoever prepares better and makes fewer mistakes during the competition, I think they will have a good chance of reaching the end of the season with a chance of winning the title.”
Still speaking about Arsenal, he claimed to have big faith in the club’s young squad.
“It’s just that maybe they don’t even know the potential they have.”
