“He’s my weakness!” – Pep Guardiola reveals his “favourite” Manchester City player | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has named his “favourite” player within the current first-team squad, speaking during a recent press conference.

The admission followed another authoritative Premier League outing for City, who swept aside West Ham 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium to continue their strong run of form during a crucial phase of the season.

With victories also stacking up across competitions, Guardiola has repeatedly pointed to mentality, adaptability, and experience as key drivers behind Manchester City’s consistency. And central to those themes has been club captain Bernardo Silva, whose importance has again come into focus.

While goals from Erling Haaland and a decisive contribution from Tijjani Reijnders grabbed headlines against West Ham, Bernardo Silva’s presence in midfield once more underlined why Guardiola values him so highly.

The Portuguese international has become synonymous with Guardiola’s City era, often deployed across multiple roles depending on game state and opponent. As the manager has stressed in recent briefings – whether discussing Rayan Cherki’s development or the need for relentless standards over the festive period – trust and versatility remain non-negotiable.

Speaking to reporters after City’s comfortable 3-0 home win at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola was quizzed on the consistent performance levels of his club captain so far this season.

“Oh my god, Bernie [Bernardo Silva] is my weakness. He’s top. But today, Bernie?! He had to play better! Today I’m not happy with Bernie, and he’s my weakness, my favourite one. But today I’m not happy with him! He knows exactly what we need, to play better, fluid,” Guardiola admitted.

The Manchester City boss continued, “But he has a special sense to compete, sense of play – Bernie has incredible attributes to make a step up in bad moments. That is what defines.

“There are players that can play everywhere, but there are few players that can play in the Bernabeu, Camp Nou, Milan, Liverpool… There are players born to play on the biggest stages, to play for life or death – and Bernie is one of them!

“That’s why I think he’s been the player who played the most minutes with me here in this period, decade in Manchester. It’s because he’s reliable, he can play in three, four, five positions, and in that Bernie is extraordinary. But today, he didn’t play good.”

Pep Guardiola’s comments offered a revealing insight into his relationship with Bernardo Silva, and one built on admiration but also uncompromising standards. Even in victory, the City boss showed little hesitation in demanding more from a player he clearly trusts implicitly.

With a demanding festive schedule ahead and selection decisions looming, Bernardo Silva’s versatility is likely to remain invaluable. Guardiola has already hinted in recent updates that physical condition, sharpness, and decision-making will dictate who features.

As Manchester City continue to chase domestic and European objectives, Bernardo Silva’s role as both leader and tactical reference point looks set to remain central.