David Silva interview: City’s wizard with the winning spell

Alam Khan - Reporter 12:04 10/05/2014
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  • Magic man: Silva was handed the nickname 'Merlin' for his outrageous ability with the ball at his feet.

    David Silva confesses a liking for the nickname “Merlin”, bestowed on him just after he joined Manchester City four years ago and conjured chance after chance through sublime creative skills.

    “Shaun Wright-Phillips gave it to me after one particular game,” recalled the Spaniard of the reference to the wizard. “I know all about who he (Merlin) was. I like it.”

    But Silva reveals he has been able to weave more of his magic – and help put the club within reach of a second Premier League title in three seasons – thanks to the footballing philosophy and presence of manager Manuel Pellegrini, who replaced Roberto Mancini last summer.

    “He’s made it a happy place, he’s brought a joy and happiness around the place,” said the midfielder, whose form over the last three months has helped City move to within touching distance of the Premier League title.

    “You see that in the way we play, attackminded, lots of goals. He’s made us competitive in every competition and we’ve gone further in them.

    “He’s given us that extra push and taken us one step further maybe. His calmness has been obvious. He’s added that to the whole club and it really helps us at difficult moments.

    “It’s nice to have that calm attitude around you when things get tough. That has suited us. So has the style of play he’s brought with him. He likes us to have possession, create chances and score lots of goals.

    “Having Manuel here has helped me personally, it’s been really good for me. He’s suited me down to the ground. My style of play is more suited to an attacking style. He’s helped me develop as a player. You always want to improve as an individual and it’s been a good year for me – I’ve felt good in myself.”

    So good that he is not swayed by interest from his homeland, with Real Madrid long-term admirers of the 28-year-old who left Spain just under four years ago having excelled for Valencia.

    “I’ve always said I’m really happy here,” added Silva, who is contracted to City until 2017. “Nothing has changed, I’m totally happy. In football, I always focus on the present so all I’m thinking about for now is this last game.”

    The last game being West Ham on Sunday at the Etihad, with City – two points and 13 goals better off than second-placed Liverpool – needing to avoid defeat to be crowned champions on the final day, just as they were when they beat QPR 3-2 in 2012.

    “Everyone is saying we have it won, but we still think it will be very difficult,” said Silva, who saw last Monday how Crystal Palace stunned second-placed Liverpool by coming back from 3-0 down to snatch a point. “We know if we get the win we win the league so there is pressure, but you have to enjoy these moments. They don’t come along all that often.

    “The games now are like finals, we cannot be complacent. What happened at Palace shows you can never take anything for granted.

    “It was a warning to us about what can happen. We’ll be going all out for the win in the final game. We want to win – and make sure the cup comes back home.”

    Another title would also mean just as much to Silva as European Championship triumphs in 2008 and 2012, and World Cup success with Spain four years ago.

    “It’s difficult to compare them, but with the Premier League it’s very tough to win it, everyone knows that and that’s what makes it special,” he added. “It’s different to a World Cup or a Euro – this is something you work for the whole year. It was great to win it the first time and the motivation to do it again is very high.

    “To do it again during the short time I’ve been here would be marvellous.”

    Silva’s warning
    Having notched 100 league goals – just three shy of Chelsea’s record set in 2010 – and with Yaya Toure scoring 20 himself from midfield, City have shown their strength this season.

    But Silva warned: “I’m very conscious that we are improving. Part of the proof of that is that it’s such a competitive league.

    “It’s going down to the last day again so we’ve had to improve and we have done. Hopefully, we can get even better next year.

    “Yaya’s been a key player, his goals have helped us tremendously. But you look at the whole squad and everyone has done their bit – and this is a squad that will get better.

    “You learn something every year. As years go by you pick up experience and that helps players to become more mature.”

    Silva hopes it will be similar with Spain when they head to Brazil for the defence of their world title.

    Allaying concerns over an ankle injury that has sidelined him recently following a late tackle from West Bromwich Albion’s Morgan Amalfitano, he added: “It’s going to be tough. We’ve a fantastic group of players and a great squad so we’ll be trying our best.

    “I’ve suffered with this ankle problem, I’m still feeling it and I’ve been playing through the pain. When I came off against West Brom, I feared the worst. Fortunately it was a quick rehab, quicker than I thought.

    “The desire and knowledge of what is at stake takes away the pain. You feel it less when there is something at the end of it.

    “You have to get through, help the team, work hard and get in there for the final push. After two weeks rest, everything will be fine for the World Cup.”

    But first he, and City, hope everything will be just fine on Sunday.

    Silva’s stellar season

    March 15 v Hull
    With City down to 10 men, Silva comes to the rescue at the KC Stadium. Opens the scoring with a spectacular 30-yard strike before assisting Edin Dzeko for the second.

    January 29 v Tottenham
    Silva is Man of the Match as City rip Tottenham apart away at White Hart Lane. His through-ball sets up Sergio Aguero for the first in a devastating 5-1 win.

    December 10 v Bayern Munich
    The Spaniard plays key role as City recover from two goals down at Champions League holders Bayern Munich. Pulled one back, before freeing Jesus Navas late on to set up James Milner’s winner.

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