Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola is hoping that Bernardo Silva’s inspired form for Manchester City will change his mind about wanting to leave next summer.
Pep Guardiola said: “We know how we want him, how we love him. But at the same time not just Bernardo, I said many times in my last press conference, I want the best of them. They have to be happy to be here to perform well. He is such an important player for us, he can play in four or five different positions and he is so intelligent, and intelligent players can play everywhere There are players who can just play in this (one) position. He is a winger, or a striker, or a holding mifielder or a central defender. Bernardo is a football player and the football players can play anywhere and that’s why in this level. I know there will be lows in this season because it’s impossible to maintain this level throughout the season but I encourage him to be like this because I am pretty sure that playing at this level he will be happier and happier and he will enjoy being here with us.”
Bernardo was again outstanding as City beat Burnley to remain hot on the heels of the Premier League top two Chelsea and Liverpool, following on from top-class displays as they earned four points from tough away days against the title rivals before the international break. The Portugal ace has wanted to leave for the past two summer windows, hankering for a move back to his homeland or possibly to Spain, but the lack of a buyer willing to meet City’s £50million-plus valuation has forced him to stay put. Bernardo has been exceptional this season and the hope is that he is enjoying his football so much that it could change his mind about wanting to go. Guardiola has said that the club would not stand in his way if the right offer came in, but he would also love to keep him.
