Former Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry wants to see Fernandinho play on next season.
The Brazil midfielder turns 36 in May, and his future with City is up in the air with his current contract expiring at the end of the campaign.
Barry told the Manchester Evening News: "It's just about getting managed right.
“He's been a key player in the games I've seen him play this year, after coming back from an injury.
“He still has the ability, and the know-how to affect games. And he's a different type of player to what else they've got - Pep will know exactly when he will be needed.
“He has time in his legs and is not being written off. Plus, the character he has is needed in that dressing room – there's not too much experience in there, and I expect him to have a big part to play between now and the end of the season with all the games City have.
“It's about managing yourself in between games and having the right manager. Pep will know exactly what he can and can't do, in terms of minutes played and back-to-back games.
“That will all be key, and Fernandinho himself will know when he's tired, and what he needs to do."
