Pep purring over ‘perfect’ Silva as KDB makes return
PEP Guardiola picked out David Silva as a City player who is ‘perfect’.
The Blues boss was asked about the Spain midfielder after he sparked the 3-0 win at Shakhtar Donetsk in Kharkiv with a lovely volleyed goal.
And that vital opener came after he bagged the winner at Hoffenheim in City’s last group game – two strikes which have helped the Blues overcome their worrying defeat at home to Lyon to go top of the group.
Silva was one of a glut of players who performed to a high standard on the night, but yet again he was the one who made the vital breakthrough.
“At Hoffenheim he was the best player on the pitch, and his performances in the last month have been incredible,” said Guardiola.
“He scored the last goal then, and the first one now. He does everything perfect. Another incredible performance from David.”
That verdict came in a game which Guardiola singled out as the best first-half performance by a City team in his time at the club.
And with Kevin de Bruyne easing himself back in by making his first start since his two-month injury lay-off, Guardiola’s options are getting better by the week.
De Bruyne managed 70 minutes on his first start of the season before making way for Bernardo Silva, who made an immediate impact by scoring the third goal of the game.
City’s manager is confident that the returning Belgian will continue to improve as he plays more often.
“He played good, and in the second half he tired. We controlled the game. They played better in the second half, we had problems and he had to run more.
“He was two months out injured but the way he played and his quality was good. Now he’ll be better for the next game. His physical condition will improve.” FERNANDINHO believes City can improve on their scintillating performance against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Blues boss Pep Guardiola felt his side produced the best football of his reign on their way to a convincing 3-0 Champions League victory in Kharkiv on Tuesday.
It was a resounding statement from the Premier League champions, who moved to the top of Group F on the back of a dominant and fluid display.
Guardiola’s philosophy of playing out from the back, building towards THE difference in mood between United and City supporters couldn’t be more different at the moment.
The Reds currently occupy 10th place in the league table and have just been outclassed by a ruthless Juventus side at Old Trafford.
In stark contrast, the Blues sit on slick attacks with a determination to quickly regain any lost possession is bearing fruit – but Fernandinho sees room for improvement.
The Brazilian midfielder said: “I think that is important (the team operates) as a whole – not just the defenders, but the attacking players as well.
“They start to press so high, they make it difficult for the opponent to make chances and get the ball to the midfielders.
“When the ball gets to our box it is a little bit easier for our defenders and the keeper as well.
“The general concept is we are in good shape and everybody now top of the Premier League and are on the brink of qualification to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
On the same night in which United limped to defeat against the Italian champions, City produced one of their best displays under Pep Guardiola as they dissected Shakhtar with a dazzling display in their own backyard.
The current gulf in class is so understands what we have to do. We just have to improve it more to get better.”
City were soon into their stride at the Metalist Stadium and David Silva hit the bar before Shakhtar had even had any meaningful possession.
He then hit a post, among several other City chances, before giving them a deserved lead after half an hour.
Aymeric Laporte quickly added a second and Bernardo Silva scored a superb solo third 19 minutes from time.
Despite feeling a need to get even better, Fernandinho recognises City have already improved considerably since beginning their campaign with a surprise home loss to Lyon.
Victory at Hoffenheim earlier this month got their challenge up and running and they are now well on course for the last 16 as they prepare to host Shakhtar in a fortnight.
The 33-year-old said: “Of course, after the two first games we knew we had to improve, especially in the much that even Jose Mourinho admits his side are a level behind their ‘noisy neighbours’ across the city.
Speaking after his side tasted a 1-0 defeat to Juventus in the Champions League, Mourinho admitted his side are not on the same level as a number of top European clubs – including the Blues.
When asked if United can reach performance. It was so important to start so well. They are a very dangerous team, they have good technical players. I think we did that. “We started so strong, so fast, creating chances. We could have scored so many goals and I think we deserved the win. “They [Shakhtar] have a lot of good players, quality players, attacking players. “They made the game so hard but I think we controlled the game so well – especially on the counter attacks. “We could’ve scored more goals but we’re happy with three goals and we’re looking forward to the next game. “It was a very important game for us.” City are back in action when they face Tottenham at Wembley next Monday. Fernandinho said: “First we have to rest and then prepare so well, physically and mentally, to go there to London, Wembley Stadium, and try to win that game. “It is going to be a massive game and important for us to win.” Fernandinho the same elite level, the Portuguese coach answered: “To go to the Juventus level? Barcelona? Real Madrid?
“How can you reach that level? Manchester City level? “It’s not also easy. “It’s not also easy because many of the players, they will go to these top teams, so we work with what we have. We try to improve what we have.”