SHENZHEN, China -- Pep Guardiola will consider switching midfielder Fernandinho to centre-back to cope with Manchester City's defensive problems.
City are short of options at the back with Vincent Kompany set to miss the start of the season as he recovers from a groin injury, while Martin Demichelis was released at the end of last season.
The club were linked with a move for Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte but the young French defender opted to sign a new deal, while they are still chasing Everton's John Stones.
Guardiola said that Brazil midfielder Fernandinho has the intelligence to move into the back four and could be beneficial in starting attacks from the defence, in much the same way as Javier Mascherano was moved back from midfield at Barcelona.
"I think Fernandinho can play in 10 positions," the Catalan coach said in a news conference ahead of a friendly against Borussia Dortmund on Thursday.
"He has the quality to play wherever. He could play at centre back. He's a quick, fast player, so intelligent, aggressive and strong in the air.
"He has the quality to create good build-up. We think he can play there -- maybe Fernando too but he's not as quick. I like midfielders to play at centre back because they can play good passes."
The absence of Kompany also means that City will start the season without their club captain. Previously England goalkeeper Joe Hart or Yaya Toure have led the team out when he has been missing.
Guardiola says he will not make the decision on who will be the captain for the opening game against Sunderland on Aug. 13 and says he expects a leader to emerge from the dressing room.
"It's for the players to decide, they have to choose the captain -- they have to decide," he said. "Vincent won't play for two reasons: either because he's injured, which has happened to Vincent Kompany in the last two seasons, or because of my decision.
"It's not a big problem. I think there a lot of experienced people who can do it -- Joe Hart, Yaya Toure, Pablo Zabaleta as well. [Sergio] Kun Aguero has been here a long time. So they have to decide who is the real captain for them.
"I am not in the locker room, the dressing room, or their own meetings when they have to change something. They have to choose for themselves the best guy to represent them.
"We've only been together a few weeks or a month and they know each other better than me. It's their responsibility."