Fernandino: Bayern Munich win inspiring Man City to beat Chelsea to Premier League title

Posted Tuesday, December 02, 2014 by Dailystar.co.uk

FERNANDINHO reckons beating Bayern Munich can inspire Manchester City to become Premier League champions again.

Manuel Pellegrini's men are on a high following a hat-trick of wins, including last week's thrilling comeback to sink Bayern 3-2 in the Champions League.

The big spenders embarked on a run of 18 wins and two draws in 20 games after the November international break last season.

The sequence of results helped Pellegrini's outfit pip Liverpool to the title and Fernandinho is convinced sinking Pep Guardiola's German giants can inspire them to a similar charge this time round.

City travel to Sunderland tomorrow night on a high following Sunday's convincing 3-0 win at Southampton and the Brazil midfielder said: "After that Bayern game, it was very different for us.

"We won it after losing 2-1 at half-time - and when you beat good teams like Bayern Munich, you take more confidence to play better.

"This win was the proof, and we showed it out on the pitch by winning another important game at Southampton.

"We go into the next game at Sunderland with more confidence, and we are looking to win again.

NEARING TOP FORM: Fernandinho celebrates with Frank Lampard during Manchester City's 3-0 win over Southampton

"This is a new time for us, and from now until the end of the season I think you will see a different Manchester City.

"We didn't start very well this season but now, at the end of November, we are playing much better. Now we need to keep at this quality for the whole year."

Meanwhile Frank Lampard admits he is surprised at how well his shock move to the champions has gone this season.

Lampard joined City from Chelsea in the summer on a short-term deal until January, when he is set to join MLS outfit New York City.

But Lampard could well extend his stay until the end of the season and the former England midfielder said:

"I didn't really know what to imagine. After such a long time at one club you're so ingrained in that club, you come to a different one I think all I wanted to show was that I'm here to work hard and try and help in any way I can.

"At moments I've been able to do that and I think fans appreciate that.

"I certainly appreciate it back - it's been very nice for me to come up here to such a big club and get that reaction straight away."

Meanwhile captain Vincent Kompany will miss the trip to the Stadium of Light with a damaged hamstring and is facing a desperate battle to be fit for next week's crunch showdown at AS Roma when his side bid to get the win they need to reach the Champions League knockout stages.