Pep Guardiola once made it known that giving out to team-mates would not be tolerated at Manchester City as he showed a clip of Bruno Fernandes to hammer home the point
Pep Guardiola used Bruno Fernandes as a behavioural example
Pep Guardiola used Bruno Fernandes as a behavioural example
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Pep Guardiola showed his players clips of Bruno Fernandes moaning at his players to make it clear that such antics would not be tolerated at Manchester City.
That came after the Manchester derby at the Etihad earlier this season, a game which City won 3-0. Fernandes has long been United's talisman but the way he interacts with his team-mates, especially when things are going against him, has previously been cited as an issue.
During that clash at the Etihad he was seen gesturing angrily at a team-mate after Phil Foden had scored City's opener - which clearly struck a chord with Guardiola.
The Athletic reports that, in the debrief with his players, the now former City boss clipped up the moment where Fernandes was berating his defenders and made it known that such behaviour "would not be accepted".
That message clearly carried with City players rarely seen targeting each other when things go against them in matches whilst there have rarely, if ever, been questions levelled at their culture or their interactions.
Following a scathing defeat at Liverpool several years ago the Portuguese star faced Gary Neville's wrath. The pundit said: "I'm going to start with Bruno Fernandes. I've had enough of him throwing his arms around at his team-mates, I've had enough of him not running back. He whinges at everybody."
Fernandes has previously defended his short fuse in an interview with Sky Sports, where he explained: “Sometimes I go over the line. I know that. It can happen in the game and it is difficult to control emotions. But I never try to be disrespectful with anyone.
Bruno Fernandes has forged a reputation for whinging at his team-mates
Bruno Fernandes has forged a reputation for whinging at his team-mates(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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“I’ve also been like that since I was seven years old, I don’t want to lose my game. I am really competitive and want to push and give the best of myself. And I demand others to give the best of themselves.”
This year Fernandes was a leading light for a United side that rose to third following the sacking of Ruben Amorim with Michael Carrick leading their revival, ending with him getting the job beyond this season. Fernandes' efforts this season have seen him land individual accolades, including the FWA Player of the Year.
The playmaker finished his year by registering his 21st assist, which is a Premier League record in a single season. His last assist has proved hugely controversial with replays appearing to show it was an own goal.
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