With only the Premier League to target, the Blues know anymore slip-ups will probably mean the end of this season’s hopes of silverware, but after a spirited second-half against Barcelona on Wednesday, Fernando is hoping the momentum continues against the Baggies.
City beat Albion 3-1 on Boxing Day and it was a game Fernando enjoyed after scoring his first goal for the club at The Hawthorns.
“We played very well that day but they have changed their coach since that game and they have improved a lot so it won’t be the same as last time,” said Fernando.
“I enjoyed that game because I scored my first goal, but I can still give the team a lot more because I don’t think I’ve been anywhere near my best this season.
“I think after one season in the Premier League, you will see the best of me because I will have one year in the Premier League under my belt and I know the pace, physicality and power of football in this county much better.”
So was his overhead kick his best strike yet?
“I have scored better goals than that!” he smiled. “I have a specific job in the team so goals are not necessarily what is expected of me, but I hope to chip in with a few more next year.
All that matters on Saturday is that we win. We can’t drop any more points and we know we’ve said that a lot in the past few weeks but I think we’ve got to the stage where we have to start making up ground on Chelsea
...Fernando..
“Only by winning each week can we create pressure on them – every time we drop points we are making it easy for them so now, with only the Premier League to think about, we have to go for it and try and win all our remaining matches. It won’t be easy bit we can do it if we focus and play to our optimum levels.”
Fernando says there is much more to come and that he is only thinking about City and nothing else at this stage of his career.
“The City fans haven’t seen the best of me,” he said. “I like it Manchester – it’s very different here but I’m very happy and next season, I will know my team-mates better and you will see the best of me.
“I can’t think about playing for Brazil until I show my best form for City, so playing for my country can only happen if I’m playing well here. Right now, nothing else matters.”
