Guardiola would ‘love’ for Man City to keep ‘incredible’ star as big Begiristain decision looms

Pep Guardiola would “love” for Fernandinho to sign a one-year contract extension with Manchester City, but has passed the responsibility to members of the board.

Fernandinho is in his ninth season with Man City, who he joined from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013. The Brazilian became club captain in 2020 after the departure of David Silva and continues to lead by example.

Although his appearances are more sporadic these days, Fernandinho remains reliable for City. He has played in 21 matches for them across all competitions this season, including 11 starts.

The intelligent defensive midfielder will turn 37 in May, which falls one month before his contract expires. There has long been a feeling that Fernandinho will move into coaching after his career ends. But if Guardiola has his way, that won’t be just yet.

Asked if he would like Fernandinho to continue his playing career into a 10th season with City, Guardiola replied: “I would love it.

“I’m so glad to have him. He’s an incredible captain and player.

“I have a feeling now at 36, 37, he struggled a little bit coming back from holidays but now he’s getting his rhythm. For him he doesn’t care, he will play against Peterborough. Other players his age wouldn’t want to play there in cold weather, but he wants to help to give rest to Rodri.

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“At the end of the season Txiki [Begiristain, director of football] and the club have to decide.”

Despite his desire to keep calling on Fernandinho as a player, Guardiola already sees the qualities of a coach in the 53-cap former international.

Asked if he is acting like a coach, Guardiola pointed to example both he and fellow midfielder Kevin De Bruyne have been setting.

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He said: “This kind of thing comes from himself. Fernandinho in this case, him and Kevin De Bruyne have been in all the meetings for the last six years and when we’re playing they know what needs to happen.

“At half-time when we have time to fix things they talk and every player has the freedom to do so. I love it when players talk about the game.”

It prompted a comparison between Fernandinho and former Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta, who went on to cut his teeth as a coach by assisting Guardiola before moving into management himself.

Guardiola agreed there are similarities between the pair. He stated: “In terms of how the people respect Mikel and him then definitely. About knowledge, passion, license to be manager I didn’t speak with that about Fernandinho but a holding midfielder, captain.

“He is thinking about the club. He has everything to be a manager.”

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