Pep Guardiola had high praise for his captain after Manchester City’s win over Liverpool | OneFootball

If any player is the heart and soul of this Manchester City team it is Bernardo Silva. Pep Guardiola chose the Portuguese international to be his team’s captain for this season. With his work rate, ability to play in multiple roles, and tremendous technical ability, Bernardo is the player who inspires his teammates and he is the glue in Pep Guardiola’s side.

All of these traits were on display last night as Bernardo Silva played a key role in Manchester City’s 3-nil win over Liverpool at the Etihad. Pep Guardiola singled out his captain for high praise following yesterday’s match which shows just how important Bernardo was to City’s win at the Etihad.

Pep Guardiola singled out Bernardo Silva for high praise for his performance against Liverpool.

Speaking after his team’s win over Liverpool, in quotes relayed by Sky Sports, Pep Guardiola said that Bernardo Silva played a crucial role in Manchester City’s win over the current Premier League champions. Speaking after the match, Guardiola explained: “In the way we played today, he (Bernardo Silva) is a master. The tempo, winning the ball, accelerate, decelerate, the intuition [to know] where the space is, how to manage the situations and so many things. He is one of the most clever players I have ever met.”

The Manchester City manager also explained why he chose Bernardo Silva as Manchester City’s captain for this season. Although the Portuguese international struggled at times last season, he always fronted up for his team. This fact wasn’t lost on Pep Guardiola. The City manager explained: “Bernardo struggled last season, but he was there. Every. Single. Game. Exhausted. After 50 or 60 minutes [of matches last season], he could not run one more minute.”

“At certain moments, he said, ‘Pep, I’m drained. My mind is not [there] any more, the feet.’ But he was there. And I said many times to my players, and to him, that will not be forgotten. That is why he is my captain. Because in the bad moments, he was there.”

Everything that makes Bernardo Silva a special player was on display last night against Liverpool.

Bernardo Silva put in a stunning all-round display against Liverpool at the Etihad yesterday. Alongside Nico, he helped Manchester City control the midfield battle against Liverpool, especially in the first half. Bernardo knew when to press the visitors and when to pick his moments to sit back and stay in, and organise, his team’s defensive shape during yesterday’s match. The Manchester City captain led from the front which isn’t a surprise given his status as his team’s leader.

In possession, Bernardo Silva was crucial to City’s possession play, especially in the first half. Bernardo’s intelligence stood out as he knew when to go with the ball and attack Liverpool and when to slow the play down to suit his team’s game plan and his manager’s demands. It was a sublime performance from Bernardo and one that showed why the Portuguese international remains so important to his team.

Summary.

Pep Guardiola singled out Bernardo Silva for high praise after his team’s important win over Liverpool. The praise was warranted as Bernardo played an instrumental role in his team’s win. It was the quintessential captain’s performance and was also one that showed how integral the Portuguese international remains to his team.