Manchester City: Pep Guardiola sees Fernandinho taking similar path to Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta
The Manchester City boss thinks Fernandinho could become a manager when he hangs up his boots.
Pep Guardiola sees Fernandinho taking a similar path to Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta in becoming a manager when he hangs up his boots.
The Manchester City boss thinks his midfielder has ‘everything to become a manager’ when he retires from playing, but ‘would love’ the 36-year-old to renew his contract with the club.
During his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Guardiola was asked whether Fernandinho possesses similar qualities in terms of leadership and knowledge to former assistant manager Arteta, something Guardiola agreed with.
"In terms of how the people respect them, yeah definitely," Guardiola said.
"After knowledge and passion licence to be manager, I’m pretty sure when a holding midfielder is thinking about the team, he [Fernandinho] has everything to become a manager.”
The Catalan went on to praise his midfielder’s attitude to playing despite his age, but outlined that though he’d like to keep Fernandinho at the club, the decision is up to the player and football director Txiki Begiristain.
Guardiola added: “I would love it if he stays, he’s an incredible captain. Now I have the feeling he is getting better, the conditions at Peterborough were so difficult. Freezing cold, the minutes... chapeau. At the end of the season, Txiki and the club have to decide."
Fernandinho, who turns 37 in May, has been a key player for the Sky Blues since his arrival from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013, making 371 appearances, scoring 25 times and assisting his teammates on 32 occasions.
City goalkeeper Ederson has also emphasised the impact his fellow countryman has had on the club’s squad, calling him a ‘fundamental figure’.
“He has very strong leadership in the squad; an important player, experienced, he’s the longest serving,” the Sky Blues’ no.31 said in his pre-match press conference.
“He guides young players and supports the others. He helps us a lot, we know how important he is in the squad. He’s more than a captain, he’s a fundamental figure in the team.
“He’s in his ninth year now and I hope he can continue doing this work. I don’t know what his intention is, but the club are doing everything for him to remain here as they know how important he is to our group.
“In games, when the team are winning and the players relax, that’s what he speaks to the players about,” Ederson added.
“He talks a lot about being focused for 90 minutes, looking for another goal and playing good football. That’s why he has this leadership role within our team.”