Fernandinho: CSKA a tough test

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Fernandinho believes the behind-closed-doors Champions League clash with CSKA Moscow will provide a tricky obstacle for Manchester City.


CSKA have been ordered to play their next three European home matches behind closed doors as punishment for the racist behaviour of their fans.

The Russian side will therefore not have a partisan home crowd to motivate them but in Fernandinho's experience the situation can impact both teams.

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Fernandinho said: "I don't think it will be an advantage for us. It is always good when you play away because the fans support their team and it gives you more motivation to play well.

"I don't think this is good for either team or for football."

The City midfielder has experienced such situations twice before in his career, during his time at Shakhtar Donetsk.

Fernandinho said: "Fans were banned from the stadium on both occasions and it is different. You have to keep your concentration on the pitch and try to win the game."

City need to win to get their campaign up and running after collecting just one point from their opening two fixtures against Bayern Munich and Roma.

And Fernandinho believes City must follow the example of Bayern last month.

In a match that was also played behind closed doors in Moscow, the Germans were not at their best but still emerged with a 1-0 win.

Fernandinho said: "The game looked like a training session and it is very different for the players but the most important thing is that the preparation for the game is very good and the players keep their concentration from the first minute to the last.

"Bayern just did a very professional job and I think that is the way we must approach the game because it is a very important game for us. We must win it."