Pep Guardiola praises Bernardo Silva and Rico Lewis but the overreliance on them is a problem | OneFootball

Following Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa Pep Guardiola has praised the efforts of Bernardo Silva and Rico Lewis. The pair have been ever-present this season for Pep Guardiola’s side. As City’s injury crisis has continued the pair have been called upon regularly. They aren’t alone on that front, as Erling Haaland, Ilkay Gundogan, and Josko Gvardiol have barely had a rest either. But in the case of Bernardo Silva and Rico Lewis, the overreliance on the pair has become an issue. And it’s likely one that can be resolved by either playing youth or when City get players back to full fitness.

Speaking after his team’s defeat at Villa Park, Pep Guardiola had this to say about the efforts of Bernardo Silva and Rico Lewis: “We are lucky with the players we have, for example, like Bernardo [Silva]. I know he’s a special player for me, but how he puts his heart into those positions. He is an incredible winner and example for us in how he behaves in different positions and always tries to help and read what happens in certain positions. Playing attacking midfield, holding midfield, always defensively he makes an incredible effort. Rico [Lewis], what can I say? The guy can play right back, left back if we need more control.”

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It has been a valiant effort from Bernardo Silva and Rico Lewis to play so often this season. As mentioned above the same can be said for Erling Haaland, Josko Gvardiol and Ilkay Gundogan. Although their performances haven’t been at their usual high standards they have always been available for selection. But in the case of Lewis and Bernardo Silva, that’s where the problem lies.

In the case of Rico Lewis, he is being asked to do too much. Especially when you consider his age. So far this season he has played at both right and left back and in midfield. He is carrying a heavy burden for Pep Guardiola’s side. Lewis started the 24/25 season strongly, but as his workload has increased due to City’s injury crisis, he hasn’t hit the same heights. But that is the nature of the situation Pep Guardiola has had to deal with.

Bernardo Silva is suffering from being in a similar situation as the one Rico Lewis has had to deal with. Bernardo is playing too much and a wide variety of roles. However, it has to be said that Pep Guardiola hasn’t had much of a choice. As his workload has increased the usual zip and energy Bernardo provides has been lacking. On top of his technical ability the energy Bernardo provides to this Manchester City side is a crucial element of their play. It has been missing of late and that’s the problem.

Summary

Rico Lewis and Bernardo Silva playing too much has had a detrimental effect on Pep Guardiola’s side. They have suffered from the heavy workload that has been placed on them. But there hasn’t been an alternative for Pep Guardiola to turn to unless he turns to youth. That’s the problem. As their performances have suffered so have Manchester City. It isn’t their fault, it’s the end product of the circumstances Pep Guardiola and his team have had to deal with. There needs to a solution found to this issue but what that may be isn’t immediately apparent.