Guardiola rules out making new signings in the January transfer window. The manager is comfortable with his current squad.
City played Burnley on Tuesday. The club has not kept a clean sheet in their last seven games. In this case, they are 11 points behind Premier League leaders, Liverpool.
The club’s central defense appears to be a clear area of weakness. City failed to get a replacement for skipper Vincent Kompany in the summer. Additionally, the club lost Aymeric to injury and have opted not to play Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones together in any game since September.
The situation does not prompt Guardiola to strengthen his squad in the transfer window. Instead, he intends to stick with 34-year-old Fernandinho as his first-choice center-half.
“I like Fernandinho playing in that position. I prefer him there. That’s where he plays.” Said Guardiola.
Although Fernandinho has spent all his career as a midfielder, Guardiola reacted tersely when asked why the Brazilian was used in defense more often than Stones and Otamendi.
Besides, Guardiola was asked about Fernandinho’s defensive qualities. He responded, “Have you watched the games?”
Nevertheless, as with Spain midfielder David Silva, Fernandinho’s contract will expire in the summer.
In the case of Silva, the players have come out clearly on his intentions to leave the club this summer. There have been no such announcements about Fernandinho’s who, however, suggest a new contract.
“We will decide on that situation at the end of the season. That is for the players who have finished their contracts and the players who have them.”
“We will do what we believe is the best for the club and the organization for next summer.”