admin Manchester City were uncertain about Bernardo Silva’s future but the player showed his class.
Bernardo Silva everywhere
Five years ago, Pep Guardiola knew it would be difficult for him to field a full squad with so many of his players at the World Cup early in the season, but he decided to cut Bernardo Silva’s summer holidays drastically. Rather than being another torment for the mid-serve player, it was a tactical gamble where Bernardo’s energy was enough to see the team through early in the season.
It worked and City retained the championship. In 2023, things are looking good again for the Portugal international.
Was substituted off against Yokohama F Marinos after just 30 minutes as he essentially ended the game, staying more than twice as many as Bayern and holding the German champions from the right all evening; Even when Oscar Bobb came on as a second-half substitute, Bernardo managed to put that part of the field in trouble.
With no sign of an exit as the transfer window nears last month, City could become more cautious about their hopes of keeping Bernardo for another season. If they can, it looks like they have one hell of a player who wants to leave.
Kovacic slots into deeper role
Mateo Kovacic started for the second time in a row, but played more on the defensive against Bayern Munich. Without Rodri and Kalvin Phillips in the starting XI, the former Chelsea player was asked to step in front of the defenders, with Rico Lewis and John Stones assisting when needed but usually passing him anyway.
After giving a taste of what he had to offer up front, Kovacic looked instantly at home against Bayern as he consistently went deep to regain possession from Ederson and set up the ball for the Blues.
City show off trophies – and Walker
When Bayern took the decision to sack Julian Nagelsmann before their Champions League quarter-final with City, it was with the belief that sticking with their manager could jeopardise their chances of a Treble. As it was, they had an almighty Dortmund collapse to thank for them ending up with one while it was Guardiola’s side who had the standout season.
In case that had been forgotten, all three trophies won by City were on display in the stadium by the side of the pitch. The Blues were greeted by a giant image of the Champions League made by the fans as they were about to kick off in Munich, but in Tokyo they were able to show off the real thing (as well as Kyle Walker!)
McAtee makes his mark
James McAtee did not do everything right in a similarly makeshift midfield to the one on Sunday, but he also did plenty right again. That included following up Julian Alvarez’s shot to score the opening goal of the game.
Hopes of making an impact on Guardiola last year fell short as the young midfielder barely got a kick on the pre-season tour, whereas already he has done enough to earn two starts and has made sure he has been in the thick of the action. With one game to go, McAtee can consider this summer a considerable improvement on the last.
