Pep Guardiola’s side have only conceded three goals in our last six games, keeping four clean sheets in the process.
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John Stones impressed against Olympiakos and Burnley, whilst Guardiola was particularly pleased with Ruben Dias and Eric Garcia’s display in the 0-0 draw with Porto, where Fernandinho completed 90-minutes alongside Rodrigo at the base of midfield.
“They didn’t arrive to our box very often,” the Brazilian said following a game in which City dominated despite being unable to break the deadlock.
“I think it’s important to show that defensive consistency and the team has shown it’s growing.
“It’s important to get more confidence little by little.”
A point in Portugal was enough to confirm top spot for City in Champions League Group C and this is the eighth season in a row in which we have qualified for the knockout stage of the competition.
We have reached the semi-finals only once in that period and Fernandinho played in both legs as we lost 1-0 on aggregate to eventual winners Real Madrid.
Now 35, his desire to lift Europe’s biggest prize remains as strong as ever and whilst he holds onto that goal, he says it is too early to be thinking of Champions League glory this season.
“I think it’s important to have dreams in life,” he added.
“We live every day with dreams and things we want to achieve, we go to bed with those dreams and goals in our head.
“It’s important to keep dreaming. Obviously, for me it would be really good to win the Champions League.
“This is a competition we all want to win, but we are still really far, we haven’t finished the group stages and there is still the knockout rounds. It’s important to go day by day.”
You can watch exclusive CityTV productions, such as the upcoming feature on Fernandinho‘s captaincy, with a CITY+ subscription.
