Bernardo on captaincy, Pep, Haaland and Cherki | OneFootball

Bernardo says he has always tried to lead by example.

Promoted to skipper this season, the Portuguese has relished wearing the armband but says he has kept the same values he’s always had.

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“Well, I try to be the same, the same person throughout my career,” he said.

“Even when I was young, I always tried to be an example, the way I trained as well as my behaviour every day.

“But of course, now, with all the experience, the time I’ve spent with Pep  – it’s my job, not only to have and to maintain a good state of mind in the dressing room as well as good competition between us, but at the same time to help the youngsters.

“It’s about helping the youngsters adapt as quickly as possible. That’s the most important thing about this club, it’s the responsibility and it’s the level.

“You have to fight for the big things. And now it’s my job to get that message across to the young players.”

Recently cited as one of the best players he’s ever coached, the City boss has continually praised Bernardo’s attitude and work ethic over the years.

This has led to a strong bond between player and manager.

On Pep, Bernardo said: “Well, it’s a mix of a very, very professional relationship that we’ve had for eight and a half years and there’s also a personal relationship.

“We’ve won a lot; we’ve spent a lot of time together. He’s a coach who’s given me a lot. I’ve learned a lot from him and I’m learning every day.

“And I have very good memories with him. He’s changed a lot and he’s a coach who tries not to stay in the same zone, not to play in the same way.

“Every year, he likes to change because he knows that if he doesn’t change, the other teams will adapt to us.

“Of course, it’s difficult to find a good solution that’s different every year, but that’s what he tries to do and that’s why he’s a different coach.

“Winning six in the Premier League is not normal. There’s a lot of competition. A lot of players have left, a lot of young players are here, and we have this type of player – they need time.

“At a club like Manchester City, you have to be ready to win all the time, but it’s normal that these types of young players, they need a little more time to be prepared for, for this level.

“You need to be consistent. That’s the most important thing at this level. It’s not important to win a match against Liverpool.

“Afterwards, if you lose points, those points will count the same as points against the big teams.

“So, you have to be consistent, you have to be ready for every game and we’re working. We work as hard as we can to get to this level.”

The skipper also was asked his thoughts on Erling Haaland’s electric start to the 2025/26 season.

“We know he’s going to do his job, so it’s up to us to give him as many chances as possible,” he said.

“After all, he’s a machine, he’s so strong physically – when he has a metre, it’s a lot.

“It’s very difficult for the defender to stop him and to have a player like that with us, it’s very important. It makes all the difference. Of course it does.”

Bernardo also added that he believes Rayan Cherki will be a major player for City in the months and years ahead, saying: “He’s a player who can find passes that 99 per cent of players can’t.

“He’s a player who tries different things and that’s important – particularly against a lot of teams who play tight against us.

“He’s a good lad too, he’s adapting well and I’m happy for him. He doesn’t need a lot of help.

“He’s a player with a lot of personality. You don’t need to give him confidence. He’s already got it.”