The long-term replacement of Fernandinho has hit the ground running and already gotten into life here at Premier League. Rodri has been craned heavily to the task of encoring a footballing legend.
Rodri is way better of his age but what comes as hot coal for him will be the physical tenacity required to face clubs like Burnley, Bournemouth, Watford and even Everton. That’s something this guy would not have tasted in his days at Spain.
The Brazilian maestro and idol cum senior of Rodri, Fernandinho has promised to be with the youngster in the D-Day or the 11th hour. The ageing midfielder has is ready to guide and advise the youngster, say anytime.
“There are some tough games to come, especially away at places like Burnley, Everton and Watford – different kinds of challenges but for sure he is going to learn,” said Ferna on City’s official website.
“We are going to work closely, and I will be there for him to talk and advise him with whatever he needs, but of course he’s already a quality player who I like very much.”
“He has done really well in pre-season and in the first few games he’s played in the Premier League.”
“He’s tall, technically very good and he’s going to help us a lot this season and for the future.”
Fernandinho is almost back from the injury he had suffered in Copa America and with Rodri already there, it makes it even more interesting to see how Guardiola deploys his troop. The Brazilian is in 7th season of his campaign with City and would surely want to go down with his 4th Premier League title.
“I don’t remember the last time a team won the Premier League three times in a row,” he said.
“Normally, it’s human nature to relax once you’ve achieved your targets.
“This is going to be hard for us and we’re going to keep the guys’ heads up and keep moving forward.
“We must dig deep in the dressing room and not just rely on Pep to push us.
“We don’t just have a group of great players – we have a great group of human beings and this makes a huge difference.
“I think we all realise that in every training session and match we play, we have to improve, play great football and win our games because we want to win many more titles.”
The titles are important but what is the need of the hour is guidance and confidence that a guy like Fernandinho can/should build in his successors so that the Champions keep the Blue flag flying amidst the mellow sun with the azure rays passing through it.
