Sunday 21 September 2014 15:04, UK
Fernandinho wants Manchester City to close the gap on Chelsea with victory over the Premier League leaders on Sunday.
Reigning champions City already trail Chelsea by five points after just four games of the new season, with Jose Mourinho’s side boasting a 100 per cent record.
In contrast, City followed up two wins to start the season with a shock home defeat by Stoke City and a draw at Arsenal last weekend.
City also suffered a last-gasp defeat away by Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday and Fernandinho wants a response against Chelsea.
The Brazilian midfielder said: "When you lose a game like this at the end, after the game you feel a little bit sad.
"But you have to recover as soon as you can. We have a great game against a big team like Chelsea and the best way to recover is to win that game.
"In the Premier League the most important thing is not to give the team at the top of the table reasons to keep winning game after game.
In the Premier League the most important thing is not to give the team at the top of the table reasons to keep winning game after game. We don't want a big space between us. We have to win because there would be six or eight points difference between us and Chelsea. We have to shorten it.
"We don't want a big space between us. We have to win because there would be six or eight points difference between us and Chelsea. We have to shorten it.
"We have to win, keep working and keep going until we are top of the table."
Chelsea ran City close last season but eventually finished six points behind Manuel Pellegrini's men in third.
This term they look stronger with their summer recruitment, particularly the signings of prolific striker Diego Costa and cultured midfielder Cesc Fabregas, adding much to the side.
Fernandinho added: "They have started very well. Their new players have shown their quality.
"I think this will be a great game. We have a good team as well and are playing at home for our supporters. I hope we can win this game."
The match may also be important for confidence with City on a run of three games without a win for the first time in over 18 months.
Fernandinho said: "That is not easy (to take) for a big team such as City, but the best way to recover our confidence and our best qualities is to win the next game.
"Already we think about the Chelsea game. We have to win this game because we have had a draw against Arsenal and a loss at home to Stoke.
"We have to recover points to think about the top of the table."
