SportBook Service | Fernandinho admits Manchester City stars argued after shock defeat to Lyon

FERNANDINHO admitted there was a dressing-room slanging match as Manchester City lost to Lyon.

The English champs turned in a disastrous first half in their Champions League opener at the Etihad.

Fernandinho has admitted that there were words between the players after Man City's defeat to LyonCredit: PA:Empics Sport

Despite Bernardo Silva pulling a goal back they slipped to a 2-1 defeat.

Coach Mikel Arteta took charge on the night as Pep Guardiola was serving the first of a two-match touchline ban.

Midfielder Fernandinho revealed it was not just the Spaniard who raised his voice as feelings ran high.

Asked if Arteta was angry at the end, he said: There were strong words. Not just him but from the players as well.

The French side ended up with a 2-1 Champions League group stage win at the EtihadCredit: Reuters

But that is the best way to build a very good team. Of course, we are a good team but to compete in Europe you have to have something extra.

I think it is a good point because we discussed it at half-time and before the game as well.

Fernandinho, 33, refused to use the absence of boss Guardiola as an excuse for the teams below-par performance.

He said: No, I dont think so because we worked well the last two days, focusing with him, but you have your own style of play and we play with him the whole season.

Stand-in boss Mikel Arteta confessed there were no excuses for losing the gameCredit: EPA

Manchester City fans in violent clash with Lyon supporters outside shop close to Etihad Stadium after Champions League defeat

It was different. The first half was very poor and you have to forget it.

Defender John Stones agreed Pep being in the stands was not to blame.

He said: Definitely not. We are all so comfortable with how everything works.

Obviously it would have been good if Pep was there but Mikel stood in and did a great job. Everyone knows their roles. Its difficult when you are playing you cant control those things. But its down to us.

Pep Guardiola will be hoping to get City back to basics in their next matchCredit: PA:Press Association

Anyone who watches City regularly, or saw the Amazon Prime documentary All or Nothing, will struggle to believe Peps absence was not a factor.

The ex-Barcelona boss is like the conductor of an orchestra in the dugout, gesturing and shouting instructions to players.

Scorer Bernardo added: Pep is important. But the team was not good enough. Thats why we lost.

City did get a boost with injured midfielder Kevin De Bruyne aiming to return to training next month. He has an eye on facing Manchester United at the Etihad on November 11.

The Belgian, 27, is sidelined by a knee ligament injury. He said: Im getting there. I think Ill be back for the derby.