Manchester City will tonight face Sporting Lisbon in UEFA Champions League action. They will have to do without a host of key players. Ruben Dias, John Stones, Jack Grealish, Oscar Bobb and Rodri will all miss tonight’s match. A host of other players will come into tonight’s match not at 100%. But speaking before his team’s clash with the Portuguese champions Bernardo Silva insisted that the injury crisis City are dealing with is no excuse for the champions. That shows the elite mentality possessed by Pep Guardiola’s side.
Bernardo Silva was asked about the injury situation Manchester City are currently facing. He explained that City are better with a full squad available. But he added that the injuries City is dealing with will not be used as an excuse. He told the media: “With a full squad we are stronger, there’s no denying that. We have a lot of unbelievable players missing. We have not been able to count on Kevin for six weeks. Rodri is out for the season. And other players out shorter times. But we never find excuses. This club was never about that. Kevin was out a few years ago for six months and we won the title. We always manage. Perform well individually, do your work and be there to help the team.”
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Bernardo Silva’s comments highlight the elite mentality the world champions possess. Yes, they are facing an injury crisis, but that is no excuse for poor performance by the remaining Manchester City players. Pep Guardiola sets the standards for his team to meet. They must be met by whoever takes the pitch for the world champions. No matter who is unavailable for selection that doesn’t change. It’s that mentality and high standards demanded of the Manchester City players that has seen them become one of best teams in the game. Without those standards Pep Guardiola’s side wouldn’t have won 6 of the past 7 Premier League titles and every other available trophy during that time.
Bernardo Silva’s comments show just what is expected at Manchester City. That is part of the foundation that has helped maintain City’s standing at the top of the game.