Mueez Ajao
– Pep Guardiola hailed Bernardo Silva’s influence after the Portuguese playmaker helped Manchester City recover from going two goals down to beat Crystal Palace 4-2 on Saturday.
– Silva pulled a goal back for City before Erling Haaland’s hat-trick wrapped up the points for City.
– On Friday, Guardiola ruled out selling Silva, 28, amid reported interest from Barcelona and Paris St-Germain.
Also Read: Heroic Haaland completes trademark City comeback
– “I’m happy that Bernardo became a winning player,” said Guardiola.
– “Of course the highlights will be of Erling. But we cannot forget what Bernardo has done, scoring the goal and creating down the right side in the second half.”
Pep Guardiola: “I am happy @BernardoCSilva became a winning player [vs Crystal Palace]. Of course all the highlights will be for Erling [Haaland] but we cannot forget again what Bernardo has done today, scoring the goal and creating on the right side in the second half…”
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) August 28, 2022
– While Haaland’s first hat-trick in English football grabbed the headlines, Silva’s deflected strike early in the second half put City back on track after a John Stones own goal and Joachim Andersen’s header had given Palace a shock lead at the break.
– Silva, who scored 13 goals in all competitions last season, also played a major role in the build-up to Haaland’s second goal which turned the game on its head.
– “What amazes me about Bernardo is that when the game is going wrong he makes a step forward, he loves to play in this situation. He’s comfortable with it,” added Guardiola.
– “Some players maybe step backwards, and he makes a step forward. That’s why he is irreplaceable in many ways for us.
Pep Guardiola: “When the game is going wrong he always steps forward. He loves to play in games when the situation is uncomfortable. Few players make a step backwards and he makes a step forward. That is why Bernardo is irreplaceable for many things for us.” [via @ManCity]
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) August 28, 2022
– “He’s so important, he can play in four or five positions. And it’s not just on the pitch, it’s off it too. In the locker room, I want him here so much.”
Pep Guardiola on @BernardoCSilva: “He's so important, he can play in four or five positions. And it's not just on the pitch, it's off it too. In the locker room, I want him here so much.” [via @BBCSport]
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) August 28, 2022
– Haaland’s 19-minute treble in the second half took the Norwegian’s tally to six goals in four games since arriving from Borussia Dortmund.
– And while Guardiola was pleased with the 22-year-old’s goalscoring contributions, the City boss was quick to underline how taken the club have been with the striker’s personality.
– “What’s important is he’s a lovely guy, down to earth,” said Guardiola.
– “We are completely in love with him. It’s not just the goals, it’s how happy he is. I see his behaviour and his body language.
– “You pay attention to the body language of the players, and always his is in the right position.
Pep Guardiola: “I see his behaviour and his body language. You pay attention to the body language of the players and, always, he is in the right position. It’s so tough [for a striker who is not in the game], that’s why I’m impressed. He’s always there…”
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) August 28, 2022
– “He’s always there, encouraging the players, making incredible effort. He knows [the chances are] coming. He has an incredible sense of that.”
Pep Guardiola: “Encouraging the players, making incredible effort. He knows it’s coming. He has an incredible sense of that.” [via @TeleFootball]
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) August 28, 2022
