The Pep effect can help Brazil, says Fernandinho

TWO of Manchester City’s World Cup-bound superstars last night hailed Pep Guardiola for restoring their belief and confidence.

Brazil meet Croatia in their penultimate warm-up fixture at Anfield today, with a determination this summer to erase the humiliation of four years ago when they were thrashed 7-1 by Germany on home soil in the semi-finals.

Fernandinho, an integral part of City’s Premier League title success, said: ‘You see football differently with [Guardiola]. In two seasons working with him I improved considerably. He’s one of the best and has improved all of us at City in terms of teamwork.’

City full-back Danilo echoed those sentiments. ‘We have four City players in our squad and the pressing game we play has been so important for me,’ he said. ‘The way he rotates tactically with the emphasis on ball possession has helped me so much.’

Fernandinho didn’t even mention England when asked about the biggest European threat to Brazil’s chances of winning a sixth title.

‘Of course there is Germany and we also have France and Belgium but I would say overall Spain are far ahead,’ said the midfielder. ‘I watched their recent 1-1 draw in Germany and was really impressed by their quality. ’

Philippe Coutinho is back at Anfield for the first time since his move to Barcelona and Fernandinho said: ‘I’m sure he’s looking forward to it. He had so many good moments.’