Guilherme Fernandes: I believe I can be a leader in Córdoba CF squad

Portuguese goalkeeper Guilherme Fernandes has officially joined Córdoba CF, becoming the 14th signing for the green-and-white club. The presentation took place at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fuensanta.

Fernandes arrives on a transfer from Real Betis with a two-season contract and an option for a third. Last season, he played on loan from Betis at Valladolid in the Second Division.

Warm Welcome and Positive Debut

The Portuguese goalkeeper, who made his debut in the match against Sevilla, expressed gratitude for the reception he has received:

"From the first day they have welcomed me with affection. The truth is I've been here for three days and I can already say I feel at home. We have a wonderful group in the locker room. There is no better way to be received than how I have been. The debut was very positive. I felt very comfortable, I felt very happy."

Fernandes also praised the atmosphere at El Arcángel during the match against Sevilla:

"I loved the atmosphere. I was commenting that in a July match, having 12,000 people says a lot. The truth is I loved the atmosphere and I'm already eager for the league to start to enjoy it with these people."

Competition with Iker Álvarez

Fernandes will compete for the starting position with Iker Álvarez, who was the starting goalkeeper for most of last season, as Carlos Marín is set to leave the club. Fernandes addressed the competition:

"I always face competition well. I always like a good challenge, it motivates me to be better every day. The better Iker and I are, the better it will be for Córdoba. The better the competition, the better for everyone."

Focus on Conceding Fewer Goals

Córdoba CF conceded too many goals last season. Fernandes noted that he has already discussed this with coach Iván Ania:

"If we keep a clean sheet, we are closer to winning. My goal is to try to keep a clean sheet as many times as possible."

Ball Control with the Feet

One of Fernandes's key qualities is his strong ball control for a goalkeeper, a characteristic valued by coach Iván Ania. The goalkeeper shared:

"He has shown me videos and talked about his way of playing, what he expects from me, what he will demand of me. I love it. I love that style of play, I feel very comfortable. One of my strong characteristics is playing with my feet. I have a lot of confidence in that, I have courage, which is what the coach asks of me—not to be afraid. I feel very comfortable with this style of play, and I will feel better every day."

Three-Time Player of the Month at Valladolid

Fernandes was named player of the month at Valladolid for three consecutive months last season—an unusual achievement for a goalkeeper, often occurring when a team is struggling. He commented humorously:

"On one hand, it's good because you appear on the screens."

He added:

"A good match for me would be one where they don't reach my goal, and that way we are closer to winning. But if they do, two or three times, that I save them—which is what happened yesterday [referring to the match against Sevilla]—that I help the team as much as possible. Hopefully this year I can be the best of the month five or six times."

The Challenge of Playing 50 Matches

Fernandes has set individual goals for the season:

"Playing as many matches as possible. There are 42 matches plus the Copa del Rey—we can play 50 matches this year. Playing all 50—I am very eager. I come here with great enthusiasm, great desire, and that is my goal."

Self-Description

Fernandes described himself as a goalkeeper with:

"A very strong character. I have a very defined personality. I think I can be a leader, on and off the field. Playing with my feet suits me well. I feel very comfortable in one-on-one situations."

Source: Diario Córdoba