“I did my homework” – Fernandinho reveals warning given to Pep Guardiola ahead of Manchester City trophy success

Former Manchester City captain Fernandinho has revealed the tactical advice and warning handed to Pep Guardiola prior to the FIFA Club World Cup final in 2023.

The Etihad Stadium club claimed their first ever success at the globally-acclaimed tournament, in the final edition of it’s kind before FIFA revamp the competition through an expanded version hosted by the United States.

City’s success in last season’s UEFA Champions League and subsequent victory in the UEFA Super Cup saw the club travel to Saudi Arabia for two matches hoping to complete an unprecedented five-trophy haul in a single calendar year.

Urawa Red Diamonds were dismissed at the semi-final stage, leaving Manchester City to face the challenge of Brazilian giants Fluminense in a showpiece final also held in the Middle-East, but accompanied by the help of one club legend.

Speaking during a recent exclusive conversation with the Denilson Show, former City captain Fernandinho revealed that not only did he do ‘homework’ on Fluminense ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup final contest, but that he also sent a clear warning to Pep Guardiola.

“I did my homework. I warned the guys there. I said, ‘Look, you have to press high, otherwise you will suffer.’ I spoke with (Pep) Guardiola,” Fernandinho explained, as translated by City Xtra Portuguese.

“They played on Saturday, so on Friday I was there at the training ground and we talked. What I said was, ‘In Brazil, there’s no team that presses Fluminense and manages to maintain that pressure.'”

While Fluminense impressed onlookers through their bold and brave approach to attacking Manchester City through an eye-catching style of play especially when building out from defence, the class and quality of the Premier League champions ultimately shone through.

A goal inside the opening 60 seconds put Manchester City in front through Julian Alvarez, before an own goal would send the European champions into a two-goal lead at the half-time interval.

Second-half strikes from Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez would wrap up the scoring, with the Argentina World Cup winner named Man of the Match in a top-level contest played out at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.