Manchester City midfielder Jack Rodwell knows he faces a battle with new signing Fernandinho to stay in manager Manuel Pellegrini's plans.

The £30m signing of Fernandinho has only increased the competition for midfield places.

"That's the nature of the beast," said Rodwell ahead of City's second game against AmaZulu FC in Durban on Thursday. "He's a good player and we've got a couple of good players in that position already so it's going to be hard. I knew there was going to be a lot of competition so hopefully it will bring the best out of me.

"It's going to take time to get used to the manager's style of play. He likes us to press high up and press in numbers, really get the ball back as soon as possible and then play simple football. I think that's the way to play at the moment. You look at Barcelona and it works for them so hopefully we'll adapt."