Star hails team after Burnley win
BERNARDO Silva hailed the team effort in City’s win over Burnley, showing sympathy for team-mates who are growing frustrated with a lack of game time this season.
Pep Guardiola’s selection policy has come under scrutiny this week after Raheem Sterling suggested he could be open to leaving City if he continues to be on the fringes of the first team for big games.
Guardiola hit back, saying no player is guaranteed to play and every member of his squad should show him why they deserve to play on training and when they do get their chances on the pitch.
Sterling was selected yesterday against Burnley as one of five changes from the draw at Liverpool. Ederson and Gabriel Jesus were ruled out after returning late from international duty, while Ferran Torres is injured and Ruben Dias was rested along with Kyle Walker.
City were below-par, but scored a goal in either half to secure a 2-0 win, with Bernardo brilliant throughout, scoring the first goal from close range in the first period.
Assessing City’s performance, the Portuguese playmaker admitted his side were slow at times, but praised the control they showed over the Clarets.
“[It was] very hard, we know how tough it is to play against Burnley,” he explained. “We started well, the first 20 minutes were good. The rhythm was a bit low, we should have scored a few more goals in the first half. We know how tough it is, they play very direct, they’re a very physical side. Second half we controlled the game well. We should have scored a bit earlier again. But three very important points and onto the next one.
“We know when we are attacking and teams defend so deep we have to put players in the box. We need numbers, it’s one of those you’re lucky the ball goes into you [his goal]. You need to be inside the box, if you’re not inside the box you won’t score. Very happy to help my team.”
With five changes, Bernardo was asked how he felt those players who came into the side performed, as he offered support to players like Sterling who are unhappy with the amount of minutes they are getting.
He said: “They did very well, it’s an amazing squad we have. We know how tough it is for players who don’t play as many minutes as others. It’s good to have opportunities to change the team. Everyone was fantastic today.
“We know modern football the amount of games we have is massive. To have a big squad, everyone prepared. Now we have a few injuries after the national games. We know how difficult it is first game after the international break.”