Fernando gears up for ‘most important period of the season’ for Manchester City

Manchester City midfielder Fernando says that his team must use the Christmas period to make up ground on league leaders Chelsea. City defeated Arsenal 2-1 on Sunday to move within seven points of the runaway league leaders. The Brazilian says City cannot afford to let Antonio Conte’s men widen the gap any further as we […]
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sambafoot_admin
2016-12-21 15:23:00

Manchester City midfielder Fernando says that his team must use the Christmas period to make up ground on league leaders Chelsea. City defeated Arsenal 2-1 on Sunday to move within seven points of the runaway league leaders.

The Brazilian says City cannot afford to let Antonio Conte’s men widen the gap any further as we move into the festive period, “We know that our calendar is very busy at the end of the year, but it’s the most important period of the season.

“December and January are vital. We have to keep ourselves near the top of the table to be ready when it comes close to the end of the season. We have to repeat what we did in the second half against Arsenal. Aggression and pressing. We did not let Arsenal breathe in the second half. If we do this, I’m sure we will win.”

Fernando may have to step aside in the team now that his compatriot Fernandinho’s suspension has been completed, however, a season ending injury to Ilkay Gundogan moves him up the pecking order.

“I always try my best,” he said. “Although it was not a top performance by myself, I believe I did a good job. I’m learning and improving. I hope I can repeat it in the coming matches or even play better.

“Everybody knows how good and how vital Fernandinho and Gundogan are for the team. We need them. Fortunately Fernandinho will be back in the next game, but sadly Gundogan got seriously injured. But we will work hard to win the next matches.”