“Details are really important for Pep” – Fernando remembers fondly

Fernando

has shown appreciation to

Pep Guardiola

and the impact he had on the 33-year-old’s career when he was with

. He joined the Etihad Stadium in 2014 and was having his spell in midfield. He appeared in more than 100 games for his side before departing for

in 2017.

The midfielder remembers fund memories of Pep, notwithstanding training only one season under his wing.

“

He is a coach that teaches you good things, in particular you have to be focused on training and not only on matches,

" Fernando said. "

At training, you can get many good things from him if you pay attention and do it well. Details are really important for him.

"

He is a well-prepared coach and he really understands how the game works

”. 

Fernando hopes

Lionel Messi

does not show his usual spark when his side goes against

in the Copa del Rey in the semi-finals on Wednesday, admitting that facing the Argentina international is going to need the whole team’s effort.

“

How to stop Messi? It's difficult, there isn't one solution or a method to stop him. We have to do it with the help of our full team,

" he said. "

We all have to be focused when we have to defend and pay attention to Messi. It is difficult. We have to be lucky and hope that Messi has an off-day." 

Notwithstanding their last defeat by Barcelona in the finals, Fernando insists he holds no grudges as he is preparing to face them on Wednesday.

“

Barcelona have won many titles, they are known worldwide and are one the best in the world,

" he said. "

We want to beat them but it's complicated. I have lost against Barcelona and now I hope to win this match, I have already beat them with Man City and I want to repeat it with Sevilla."

Follow

for the