CITY Silva: ‘We’re still not European favourites’
BERNARDO Silva can name three teams better placed to win the Champions League than City – despite their thrashing of Basel.
Pep Guardiola’s side have demanded attention this season in the competition with some stunning performances, including beating Serie A leaders Napoli home and away.
Their first game of the knockout rounds was one-sided as they routed Basel 4-0 to put one foot into the lasteight.
Bernardo knows how vulnerable the Blues have been in previous years though; he was part of the Monaco team that shocked City in 2017 on their way to a semi-final clash.
While this team looks all-conquering, the 23-year-old is not convinced that they will create another historic first for the season and claim the trophy.
“I think teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich are more used to playing games in this special competition than us,” he said.
“Even though we are in a good moment, we know we can try to do something, we are not the favourites.”
Real Madrid made a giant stride towards the quarter-finals as they beat PSG 3-1 at the Bernabeu in the first leg last night.
Bayern host Besiktas next week while Barcelona take on Antonio Conte’s Chelsea.
There has been no let-up from the Blues all season as they go in search of four trophies, and the players were more interested in thinking about Wigan than imagining what other European teams will think of their dismantling of Basel.
“When you play Champions League it is always difficult,” said Bernardo.
“To arrive here and win 4-0 is really complicated but we did it and we are really happy. It was an amazing work for us tonight.
“Now we are looking forward to the FA Cup because that is also a really important competition for us.”
Bernardo will hope to be involved again at the DW Stadium, having appeared in more games than any of his teammates this season.
Fewer than half of his 39 appearances have been starts, however, as he has been bedded in gently following a move from Monaco.
If there is a feeling that the Portuguese star is yet to show his best Bernardo Silva for the club, goals and performances such as against Basel will help to change that. “Yes (it was special), especially in this competition when you score it is always good. “I feel like I am helping the team and I feel very good about that.”