“He is a player that is beyond good in all departments – solidarity, intelligence, he understands everything” And more intelligent than Kelvin De Bruyne – Pep Guardiola hails “irreplaceable” Man City star after Manchester derby win
300Despite Bernardo Silva being connected to Barcelona, Pep Guardiola has called the player “irreplaceable” at Manchester City.
The 29-year-old Silva started and ended Sunday’s 3-0 victory for City against Manchester United. After Phil Foden completed the scoring, Erling Haaland scored two goals, with Silva setting up his second. As a result, City now trails Premier League leaders Tottenham by two points.
Upon the game on Sunday, Guardiola showered Silva with compliments. The Portugal international has been crucial to City’s success under their Spanish boss, but Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly interested in signing him, so he may depart the Etihad next summer.
Silva, who in August signed a new three-year contract, is a playmaker who Guardiola has consistently expressed his wish to keep. However, it’s said that the deal has a £50 million release clause that may be used the following summer to enable him to look for a different challenge.
Silva’s future will undoubtedly be discussed behind closed doors, but Guardiola is happy that he is still in the team. The City manager told reporters, “I could stay here and talk for ten minutes on what Bernardo Silva means for me and our team.” “He is an exceptionally talented player who possesses intelligence, solidarity, and a comprehensive understanding of all aspects.”
“We have a deep fondness for him. The issue is that he doesn’t own a fancy car and doesn’t necessarily dress elegantly. Everyone in the locker room adores him because of his humility. Luckily, he did not end up losing us. He cannot be replaced. Here, I know he is content.”
After being hired by City in July 2016, Guardiola’s first season as manager ended without any hardware being won. Just weeks after winning the Ligue 1 championship, Silva joined from Monaco in May 2017 for an initial £43.5 million, and that’s when their fortunes altered.
Since then, Silva has participated in almost 300 games for Guardiola’s team and has taken home 15 awards, five of which are Premier League crowns. Guardiola thinks highly of him because he can play him at full-back, on the wing, or even in center midfield.
Silva will find it difficult to quit City if they continue to win at venues like Old Trafford. Silva told the City website, “This is definitely one of the best wins here (at City), especially away from home.” At home, with the support of our crowd, things are a little bit simpler.
They generate the energy for us and help us gain momentum. I believe that our 3-0 victory here, in front of this crowd, is one of our best performances to date. We are aware of the teams’ expectations when we visit locations like Anfield and Old Trafford. I’m quite glad the three points worked. Coming here and defeating this team is never an easy task.
