Fernandinho makes Manchester derby prediction

Fernandinho makes Manchester derby prediction

City midfielder Fernandinho believes the club will bounce back stronger after their midweek defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk, ending a winning run of 20 games in all competitions.

Guardiola’s men haven’t been defeated since April, and remain one of the most feared teams in the world. The defeat to Shakthar doesn’t mean too much based on the fact they had already qualified, but many predict that the result will have knocked back their confidence.

Fernandinho doesn’t believe so though, and expects his team to react positively against United during their crucial Super Sunday clash.


“The people around the club, when we start to win a lot of games, they start to say a lot of things and it’s not good. Some of us could relax and drop our levels.

“So if you have to choose a moment to lose then this would be the right one. Derbies are always special. We need to be 100 per cent ready and focused to do our best and try to win the game.

“The Premier League is so hard and tough. You can drop points at any time. It will be a little step for us if we win this game, but nothing will be finished. There will still be a long way to go.”

The Brazilian also predicted that rivals Manchester United will feel the absence of record signing Paul Pogba during the game, with the midfielder being one of the Red Devils’ stand out performers when he has played.

“Of course, any team that loses such a good player, they are going to miss him.

“But Manchester United have good players and it doesn’t matter who is going to play in his position, they will do a good job. It will be a tough game for both teams.”
[Quotes via Sky Sports]