Bernardo Silva says Man City must do better in search for more trophies

Alam Khan - Reporter 00:45 25/08/2018
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  • Bernardo Silva is in his second season with Manchester City.

    Bernardo Silva knows Manchester City are facing greater expectations after their record-breaking achievements last season.

    So too is he after the midfielder struggled to become a first choice following his £43 million move from Monaco.

    But Bernardo believes the mantra ‘do better’ will help deal with the situation and reflect how he is now feeling more at home.

    As they visit newly-promoted Wolves today bidding for a third successive Premier League victory, Pep Guardiola’s side have the challenge of trying to top an incredible campaign that included a landmark 100 league points, the most-ever wins and most goals.

    “Yes, expectations are higher for this club, but I think you can always improve,” said Bernardo, who cut short his summer break after the World Cup finals to ensure he was better prepared for this season.

    “That’s what we are going to try to do. Playing very good football, similar to last season, but we will always try to do better and better and see what happens.

    “I am ready [to play my part]. When you play more minutes you feel more comfortable and confident. I’m trying to do as best as I can – and to help the team.

    “After my first season I wanted to come back and do better than that. I have been working hard in the summer. The second season is always easier because you feel more adapted, you feel more at home. That’s how I feel now and I am happy with my start to the season.”

    The loss of playmaker Kevin De Bruyne with a knee injury left observers speculating whether that will derail City’s challenge for more honours.

    But a 6-1 win over Huddersfield last weekend – following the opening win at Arsenal – sent a clear message to their rivals.

    Silva will be looking to step up in Kevin de Bruyne's absence.

    Silva will be looking to step up in Kevin De Bruyne’s absence.

    Bernardo admits it is an opportunity for others, including himself, to step up while the brilliant Belgian is absent for around three months.

    “I think it’s a big blow to lose Kevin, he is one of the best players in the world nowadays,” said the Portugal international.

    “But we have a fantastic squad, we will try to do as best as we can to replace him in a way to keep the team winning.

    “It’s also a good opportunity for other players as well to show what they can do. It’s a big blow to lose Kevin, but I feel we have the squad to keep going.”

    City’s impressive squad depth has been emphasised by the contribution of Bernardo’s former Monaco team-mate Benjamin Mendy after he missed most of last season with a knee ligament injury.

    The Frenchman, a popular figure on and off the pitch, was outstanding in the opening two games with his driving runs from left back providing chances galore.

    “It’s fantastic to see him perform like this,” said Barnardo. “I knew he is a fantastic player.

    “Last season he had that huge injury, but as everyone can see he’s a fantastic player and can help us a lot.

    “Every day always happy, making jokes and helping the spirit and atmosphere of the club. Apart from the player, he’s a great person.”

    Striker Sergio Aguero benefitted from Mendy’s assists against the Terriers, notching a 13th hat-trick for the club and ninth in the Premier League, just two shy of Alan Shearer’s record mark.

    Silva is in awe of Sergio Aguero's goal-scoring exploits.

    Silva is in awe of Sergio Aguero’s goal-scoring exploits.

    And Bernardo added of City’s all-time record scorer: “It’s fantastic what he has achieved and how he performs.

    “I’ve played with Cristiano Ronaldo, Radamel Falcao, Kylian Mbappe and now Kun and Gabriel [Jesus] and it’s fantastic to play with these guys.

    “It’s easy to play with a player like Kun because you just give him the ball and he scores. Three more [against Huddersfield] and an amazing performance.

    “It’s so good to have him with us. It’s not surprising that he can still do this even after achieving so much. That’s what big players are made of, it’s what they do.

    “He keeps scoring and scoring and is never happy with what he achieves. That’s what keeps him going and the team as well. It’s special.”

    Special is also how Bernardo describes the Champions League, a major trophy target for City after their disappointing quarter-final exit to Liverpool.

    “It’s a different completion, special,” added the 24-year-old, who reached the semis with Monaco in 2017.

    “You always have to be focused because 10 minutes can blow the competition for you. You can get knocked out in that time. We will try to do better than last season, but we know it’s very complicated because you have tough teams you will play against. We will work hard to do better than last season.”

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