Manchester City duo Rodri and Bernardo Silva share their thoughts ahead of their clash against Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.
What is the mood like after the emphatic win against Manchester United last weekend?
Rodri: Really great atmosphere to be honest. The international break was way too long for me, especially since we had lost our last game before the break. It’s not nice to go away on international break on the back of a defeat. We came back and won against the neighbours, turned the city blue again, so it feels great. This is just the beginning of the season though, but it’s a good feeling. Now we need to do it again.
Do you think the win was an important one, a statement victory?
Bernardo Silva: It was more than a statement victory. Our intention was to give something back to the fans. The beginning of the season hasn’t started as expected, and we know what this game means to our fans, so we were happy we could deliver, and play well. Winning 3-0 against your neighbours is always a good sign. Now we just must improve and be consistent.
Rodri, you have missed plenty of football due to injury. How are you feeling now that you have returned and do you feel like you are back to the level that saw you dominate in football games?
Rodri: Of course not. I have started my recovery. I want to be smart and do not want to frustrate myself, so I am slowly trying to improve in every game that I play. I am getting physically stronger and so I am happy. We can talk about this in January or February whether I have reached my level or not. For now, I am just happy to be back. I have missed playing football plenty.
Bernardo: Rodri on a bad level is better than lots of players on a good level, so we as a team are very happy to have him back on the pitch.
What has it been like being captain of Manchester City, Bernardo?
Bernardo: I have always believed that the leadership of the team can’t come from just one player. We were successful as a football club for many years because we had five, six, seven leaders on the pitch that took steps forward when needed. We still have that in our team even though we have lots of young players now. As the captain, I will need the likes of Rodri and Erling to bring the team back to the level we are expected to be at.
What have you made of the addition of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma?
Rodri: To be honest, in the first game he played, it felt like the opposition had to hit it pin point in the corner if they were going to score, that’s how good he was.
Bernardo: He gives that feeling of being like Thibaut Courtois. He is tall and is a big guy. He is only 26 years old and has played at the highest level for such a long time. In his first game for City he looked very comfortable and so it’s good to have a player like him.
You head to Arsenal this weekend. How important is it for you to win at the Emirates?
Rodri: We are going with a mentality to win. I don’t care what happened last season, we have the level to show our best shape. We know they have an unbelievable team and have made incredible signings and their squad has improved over the years, but we will go there to win. I know it is just the beginning of the season, but it will send a good message to win at their home.
Bernardo: Arsenal are a strong team and one of the contenders to challenge for the league. It’s not just about getting three points; it’s also about taking away three points from a title contender.
Issued by Showmax
