Bernardo Silva warns Manchester City stars must “perform” or risk being sacked | OneFootball

The Manchester City squad has received a very clear warning over their standards of performance from club captain Bernardo Silva.

As City look to rediscover the consistency required to seriously challenge for the Premier League title, senior figures within the dressing room have increasingly spoken about mentality and demands expected of a side aiming to compete on all fronts.

Bernardo Silva, who inherited the armband for the 2025/26 campaign as per a personal request from manager Pep Guardiola, has become a prominent voice within the current leadership group. With Rodri and Mateo Kovacic injured, and others battling to reassert themselves, the club captain’s words arrive at a moment when every performance is under greater scrutiny.

City’s fluctuating form earlier in the campaign has also influenced a reset in internal standards. Improved displays somewhat of late have lifted confidence, but the message from both Guardiola and senior players has been that the bar must remain high.

Those internal expectations have been underlined by the reality of recent squad turnover and growing competition for places. With new new arrivals such as Nico Gonzalez and Tijjani Reijnders adapting to Guardiola’s system, and long-serving players approaching contract crossroads, the pressure to deliver has rarely been higher.

Speaking in a new interview with Sky Sports, Bernardo Silva insisted that there is a clear pressure on himself and his Manchester City teammates over the need to perform or risk receiving the sack as a player for the club.

“Being criticised, it’s part of our job. We’re at one of the best clubs in the world and standards are high, we need to win titles if we want to stay at this club,” said Bernardo Silva.

“Otherwise, if I don’t win titles, don’t perform, the club will sack me, I’m going and another one comes. It’s life! It’s brutal, but it’s the game and we have to do better as a team – not just this game, all games, we have to do better, be more consistent, perform better and we’ll work a lot,” he continued.

“This group of players is a very talented group. Manchester City gave me more than I wished for. Looking forward, if you play at Manchester City, you need to fight for titles, you need to win.

“If you don’t, you’re going to get sacked, another one is coming. It’s reality. At this level, you need to win. You’re here to win!”

Discussing the Premier League title race this season, the Manchester City captain said, “We know we can get to a very good level, we proved it this season in some games. But we need to do it every three days, that’s the toughest.

“I think we’re in a much better position now than a few months ago. I feel we’re improving a lot, let’s see if that’s enough to fight with Arsenal. Right now it isn’t because ahead. In football, things change very quickly.”

Looking ahead, Silva’s comments could signal a wider shift in leadership dynamics as the club prepares for a crucial summer. With several first-team futures uncertain including those of on loan stars in Jack Grealish and Manuel Akanji, City may undergo further restructuring.

The message from the captain also reflects the club’s long-term strategy under Guardiola that only players capable of meeting the highest competitive and tactical standards will remain central to the project.

With title races tightening and rivals strengthening, Bernardo Silva’s words could become a rallying point for the months ahead. If City build on their recent encouraging form and sustain performances, the captain’s warning may be viewed as a turning point.