Fernandinho describes Manchester City defeating Roma as ‘mandatory’, whilst he asserts that defensive players may prove most crucial tonight.
The Premier League outfit host Rudi Garcia’s men in the second matchday of the Champions League group stage in need of first points having suffered defeat to Bayern Munich.
For one of their midfield men, it has created a situation heading into Tuesday’s match where only the one result is useful.
Fernandinho describes Manchester City defeating Roma as ‘mandatory’, whilst he asserts that defensive players may prove most crucial tonight.
The Premier League outfit host Rudi Garcia’s men in the second matchday of the Champions League group stage in need of first points having suffered defeat to Bayern Munich.
For one of their midfield men, it has created a situation heading into Tuesday’s match where only the one result is useful.
“In Europe if there is one thing you cannot afford, it is to lose at home,” Fernandinho has told the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“A defeat away is possible, but in your stadium, you have to get the three points. After the defeat in Munich, the only useful result is victory.
“To not win will compromise our situation. Assuming that Bayern will qualify, beating Roma is mandatory.
“The Giallorossi? Italian football has always had tactically well organised teams, but at this time Roma also have a tremendous attacking force.
“They are a dangerous opponent, they have started the League and Champions League well, with six wins from six, they can make our lives difficult.”
The 29-year-old was asked about Roma’s key players.
“It’s a cliché, but in the case of Roma it seems to me that their strength is in the collective. Then, of course, there are some key points.
“Totti continues to be dangerous, despite his age. Pjanic is perhaps the most crucial element to the attack. Gervinho is very fast and opens up the defence.
“And then there are people like Maicon, Florenzi, Destro, De Rossi and Castan.
“It will be a spectacular match. The fans will enjoy it. The two teams have a lot of quality. In the end the deciding factors could be the most talented players in the defensive phase.
“They have a delicate task, to prevent the creative players from inventing a decisive action in the game.
“In this respect too, Roma are not bad – Keita has great international experience, whilst Nainggolan has physical strength.”