• Champions League

Fernandinho targets Bayern scalp

ESPN staff
September 30, 2013
Fernandinho believes a win over the Champions League winners would be a greater sign of the club's progress © PA Photos
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Fernandinho believes beating Bayern Munich would do more for Manchester City's image than their derby demolition of Manchester United.

City host the Champions League winners on Wednesday in the knowledge that, by beating United 4-1, they have already defeated elite opposition this season at the Etihad Stadium.

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But Brazil international Fernandinho feels that victory against Pep Guardiola's side would be a greater sign of City's progress.

He told British daily newspapers: "Last season, Bayern Munich were the team that played the best football and they became European champions, so if you beat them, people on the outside will notice.

"It would be a huge statement to the football world if we could beat the best team in Europe, one of the best teams in the world. The projection would be much higher than beating United. That is why a win for us would be so important.

"The United match was all about playing your local rival. It was a derby and you always want to beat your neighbours, so the atmosphere is different for the players, manager, directors, supporters - everybody. It is different from a normal game.

"You don't play against United and picture them as the champions, you just regard them as your local rivals. The game against Bayern Munich is different, they are the best around."

Fernandinho, a £30 million signing from Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer, helped the Ukrainian club reach the knockout stages of last season's Champions League before joining City in the summer.

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