Manchester City’s season is winding down, and despite still being in the running for the FA Cup, the overall campaign has been a letdown. The team’s Champions League hopes were dashed by Real Madrid in the play-offs, and they’re currently third in the league, just three points ahead of fourth-place Arsenal, with Chelsea and Newcastle hot on their heels.
Guardiola Praises Key Players
In a press conference before the Southampton match, Pep Guardiola singled out two players for their outstanding performances this season: Bernardo Silva and Josko Gvardiol.
Guardiola praised Bernardo Silva as “intuitive, competitive, and always there” when the team needs him.
He added that Gvardiol was the team’s most important player this season, saying, “Without him, it would have been impossible to hold on.”
The manager highlighted the reliability of these players, especially in tough situations and tight schedules.
Guardiola revealed that he doesn’t need to give Bernardo Silva detailed instructions.
He simply tells him the position to play, and Silva adapts and knows exactly what to do.
The manager drew a comparison with Rico Lewis, noting that some players can play in specific positions, but Silva and Lewis can “play football” and understand the game.
This flexibility is a key asset for the team, according to Guardiola.