SILVA: PEP HAS INSPIRED ME TO BE A MANAGER
CITY icon David Silva has revealed working with Pep Guardiola has inspired him to become a coach when he retires from playing.
The Blues legend is expected to sign a new short-term deal which will see him complete this season following its suspension due to the coronavirus outbreak.
However, once the campaign is over he will bring his time at City to a close after 10 glorious years, in which he has dazzled the Premier League and enjoyed untold success.
It’s expected the Blues captain will continue his career elsewhere, with a final swansong in his native Spain, Japan or MLS with David Beckham’s Inter Miami all heavily touted.
But at 34 it’s clear Silva is in the twilight of his career and he has begun to think about what will come next after he hangs up his boots.
Many former professionals go into the coaching and Silva has revealed that working with Guardiola, seeing the tactical detail he goes into and the dedication he has, over the last four years has inspired him to take that path once he stops playing.
“It gives you that plus. He never rests, he is always pending,” the Spaniard said of the Blues manager. “That is good, that he is on top of playing in his due measure.
“Sometimes the player has to decide for himself.
“Guardiola always knows how the other team plays, how you have to attack him, to defend him.
“In the end you work on the weak and strong points. That is why he is one of the best coaches there is.
“You learn a lot, always from how to see the other team. It’s like giving soccer classes, all tactical.
“Seeing that encourages you to start training when you leave soccer. Right now it’s my idea.”
Silva, however, has confirmed he still plans to leave City at the end of this season.
With this season – if it resumes – being played out behind closed doors, Blues fans will be unable to watch him live in a competitive match again for the club.
The prospect of no proper farewell raised hopes that he could extend his stay at the Etihad further, with Guardiola having signalled last year he would be happy for the star to agree to another extension.
However, Silva says he hasn’t changed his mind.
“When I say one thing, I move forward. I am sorry, I have been here ten years and I have fulfilled what I wanted,” he said.
“The cycle closes here, but I will always keep this club in mind for everything I have lived.
“From the first moment people have treated me incredible. Here they have a great respect for you, people give admiration towards you. Now my family and I need another challenge.”
Phil Foden is in line to take over Silva’s role in the squad as his progression continues, while City are still planning to give the club great a fitting send-off when possible.