MANCHESTER, England -- Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho claims that Liverpool are a "long ball" team ahead of their Champions League clash on Tuesday.
City need to become only the third team in Champions League history to overturn a three-goal or more deficit to progress to the semifinals after their shock 3-0 first-leg defeat at Anfield.
Fernandinho admits they failed to cope with Liverpool in the first leg and says they must not concede if they are to have any chance of going through.
"They are a team that like to play long balls," the Brazilian told a news conference. "They try to keep the players around the middle.
"I hope we can solve all the problems we had, especially in the first half, in 10-15 minutes we conceded three goals. Then we can apply our type of game.
"[A cleant sheet is] the most important thing for us. If we concede one goal we have to score at least five so we must play our football and more than ever we need our fans to be together with us and we will see what happens tomorrow. I hope we can do our job."
City have now conceded six goals in their last two games following the 3-2 defeat to Manchester United on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola's side let a two-goal lead slip to blow the chance of securing the Premier League title against their bitter rivals and Fernandinho admitted that it has been a difficult week.
"It was a tough week for us, two defeats in a week but that's in the past already," he added. "Our focus is on the second leg against Liverpool and the only way to play good football is to be positive.
"Now's the time for experienced players to take over and take charge. Of course we know two defeats are not easy but that happens to the best teams in the world.
"What we have done this season is amazing and we have a chance to go through in the Champions League. It won't be easy.
"[Liverpool] are a team who fight for the ball and try to keep the players in the middle but we will be ready for tomorrow's game."