Well, if Manchester City’s 4-3 loss to Al-Hilal in the Club World Cup was supposed to be a blessing in disguise, someone forgot to tell Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese midfield maestro isn’t buying that “early exit equals fresh legs” narrative. And why should he? City had the xG, the shots, and the stats—but not the win.
Silva, who seems as allergic to rest as Pep Guardiola is to draw results, made it crystal clear: no one on that squad was eyeing a beach chair in Ibiza. “No one wanted more vacations,” he said. “We are very used to not having holidays, unfortunately.”
Bernardo Silva and the Myth of the Merciful Fixture List
Let’s get real. If being booted from a major tournament early is good for your season, Tottenham would’ve been serial winners by now. But not City. Silva compares the loss to a Champions League exit, and frankly, both hurt just the same—minus the parade.
The city’s 4.35 xG from 30 attempts didn’t translate into a win, and Marcos Leonardo’s late goal for Al-Hilal sent Guardiola’s men packing. Still, Silva’s focus? Preparing for Wolves on August 16 like it’s the Champions League final itself.
Bernardo Silva on Pep’s “Holiday Plan”: There Isn’t One
At 30, Silva has accepted his fate—perpetual motion with a side of tactical lectures. “We don’t know [the schedule] yet,” he shrugged, sounding like a man resigned to fewer siestas and more sprints. He trusts Pep and the staff to use whatever weeks they get wisely, which probably means double sessions, not daiquiris.
Silva Has Spoken: City’s Eyes Are Still on the Prize
Forget sandcastles. Bernardo Silva wants silverware. City’s early Club World Cup exit might sting, but their hunger to reclaim the Premier League crown is anything but dulled. No excuses. No vacations. Just one terrifyingly focused midfield general ready to march again.
As featured on ManCityNews.com
