Fernando

[Centurions]

Some people made their minds up about Fernando in 14/15 when he was playing through injury, and stopped actually watching his performances since then - why bother? Theyd already made up their minds.

His form after Christmas last season was excellent, and with Guardiolas need for midfielders and our lack of them, it shouldn't really be a surprise that he's staying.

He'll probably move on next summer but for now he's a very handy player to have around.

If he can stay fit.

What makes you think it took a whole season for some folk to make their minds up?

I believe he'll still be here with out a doubt this season coming along with Nasri and probably Navas, that'll upset a few of the boo boys.

 

[cibaman]

What makes you think it took a whole season for some folk to make their minds up?

I believe he'll still be here with out a doubt this season coming along with Nasri and probably Navas, that'll upset a few of the boo boys.

Those three will be among a very small group of senior players who will be at the club when pre season starts. The need to have an 18 man squad ready to play the CL qualifiers means that any suggestion of a big clear out was going to be wide of the mark. And with Gundogan injured we will need Fernando at least as a squad player.

 

[Silva_Spell]

I think he's keeping Fernando for a season just incase the PL is more physical than he expects

Not likely to happen but if his preferred midfield 3 was
Gundogan SIlva
-----Kroos
and we suffered physically/defensively and he had sold Fernando he'd be seen as naive. Keeping Fernando then is just smart

I don't expect him to start many games

 

[BlueAnorak]

Won't play much for us this season. 4th choice Midfielder behind Gundogan, Fernandinho, Delph ( he was 5th but Garcia went out on loan).
The game against Steaua was classic Fernando. He doesn't advance into space with tge ball when the opposition offer it and rarely passes forward. No change from last season then...

 

[Terra Passenger]

Won't play much for us this season. 4th choice Midfielder behind Gundogan, Fernandinho, Delph ( he was 5th but Garcia went out on loan).
The game against Steaua was classic Fernando. He doesn't advance into space with tge ball when the opposition offer it and rarely passes forward. No change from last season then...

Pretty much this. A fine player, deserving of a start in most sides or often backup in top clubs. But entirely unsuited to Pep's style of play.

Hart, Bony, and Fernando, and to a lesser extent Delph - maybe Delph can acquire the "Pep" skill set - are all very good/excellent footballers - who were bought by previous managers - and who - unfortunately for those who like them - are entirely unsuitable for Pep's system.

I wish each of them well - they've all been extremely loyal to City and have always given their best (OK,Nasri was likely slacking)( - but, our system is in the process of radical transformation under Pep. They absolutely don't fit.

Some puzzling things...

Kolarov sucks at defensive positioning. Going forward/passing, he's a beast. And he can play several positions. He's now a Pep favorite - Pep likes players who are skilled on the ball and who can play multiple positions. I didn't expect Kolarov to be so successful under Pep - but I'm glad - I've always liked Kolarov - except for the one game where he walked back on defense after the opposition had won the ball - that was 90 percent the fault of our previous manager though.

Equally puzzling is Nasri. I love the guy. Nasri had problems under Mancini - was excluded form the French national side - and apparently just doesn't get it. Though I love Nasri - I think that Pep is far smarter than me. Nasri will never work hard enough to fulfill his potential - meanwhile he's a dressing room problem. If that's the truth - and it probably is - Pep isn't an idiot - then, Nasri must go.

 

[St.Pauli support]

Completely agree on Nasri. A wasted super talent.

Last match vs Bucharest Fernando was walking without the ball as if not knowing exactly what to do.
When he got the ball he momentarily picked up pace and made many direct and accurate passes into the deep, also in the build-up of the 1-0.
He is not bad as a backup, just a bit phlegmatic. Still a good holding midfielder vs strong sides.

Kolarov was feed up to play the classical full back working his ass off up and down the line. Pep has understood and is focusing on his strengths and suddenly we have a strong Pep-like CB with a fine touch and in a pretty good shape!

Delph had a poor 1st half last Wed but after the break playing further up he was like a new player! Pep will find the right position for him as well.