Is Bernardo Silva Set to Leave Manchester City After Being Named Captain?
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Synopsis
In an unexpected leadership change, Pep Guardiola appoints Bernardo Silva as Manchester City's captain for possibly his last season at the club. This pivotal decision underscores the evolving dynamics within the team as they gear up for their FIFA Club World Cup campaign. Will Silva's farewell be marked by triumph?
Key Takeaways
- Bernardo Silva has been appointed as Manchester City’s new captain.
- This season may be Silva's last with the club.
- Guardiola has also named Rodri, Ruben Dias, and Erling Haaland as vice-captains.
- The leadership changes come after previous issues with captaincy.
- City is gearing up for their FIFA Club World Cup campaign.
New Delhi, June 18 (NationPress) Pep Guardiola has named Bernardo Silva as the new captain of Manchester City, just ahead of what could very well be the Portuguese midfielder's last season with the club. Silva, who has been with City since 2017 after transferring from AS Monaco, has established himself as a key player during the Guardiola era. With a contract that extends until 2026, the 29-year-old has suggested that he might be closing this chapter in Manchester, with a potential move back to his childhood club, Benfica, on the horizon.
“I know what I'm going to do, but it's not the time to talk about that,” Silva stated to the media. “I'm very focused on my season. I'm very focused on performing well for Man City. When the time comes, I will discuss it.”
He continued, “I have one year left on my contract, so obviously I can leave next season. I've had other options previously, like last year, and this year my choice is to remain at Man City.”
In addition to Silva, Guardiola has selected Rodri, Ruben Dias, and Erling Haaland as vice-captains, a strategy that underscores both the experience and future prospects of the squad. The City manager explained his reasoning behind this break from tradition.
“For the first time in my career, I decided who would be my captain,” Guardiola remarked. “I didn't like what occurred last season. I made this decision for this season. Sometimes I want to take control, and this time, I did.”
This leadership reshuffle follows a challenging season where Kyle Walker was appointed captain but later loaned to AC Milan partway through the season. Although the English full-back has returned to the squad, he is not included in the team currently in the USA for the FIFA Club World Cup. Guardiola hinted that the leadership structure may continue to evolve, stating, “After this World Cup, we might select one or two more.”
Among the newly appointed vice-captains, Guardiola highlighted Haaland's potential as a leader.
“Erling Haaland is quite young, but he needs to start understanding what it takes to be a captain,” he commented. “Hopefully, he will be here for many years. Sooner or later, he will assume that primary role.”
Manchester City is now preparing for their FIFA Club World Cup journey, which begins on June 18.
Point of View
It's clear that Pep Guardiola's decision to appoint Bernardo Silva as captain signals a significant shift in Manchester City's hierarchy. This move not only reflects Guardiola's desire for control but also his vision for the future of the team. The evolving leadership dynamics are essential as City prepares for crucial competitions ahead. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this impacts the squad's performance.
NationPress
18/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Bernardo Silva been appointed captain?
Pep Guardiola appointed Bernardo Silva as captain to bring new leadership dynamics to the team, reflecting his desire to take control and reshape the squad after last season's challenges.
Is this Bernardo Silva's last season at Manchester City?
While Bernardo Silva has hinted that this could be his final season at Manchester City, he remains focused on performing well and has not confirmed any transfer plans yet.
Who are the new vice-captains of Manchester City?
The new vice-captains appointed alongside Bernardo Silva are Rodri, Ruben Dias, and Erling Haaland, emphasizing both experience and potential for future leadership.
How did last season's captaincy issues affect the team?
Last season's captaincy situation, particularly with Kyle Walker being loaned out, prompted Guardiola to rethink leadership roles, leading to the current appointments.
What are Manchester City's upcoming matches?
Manchester City is preparing for the FIFA Club World Cup, which begins on June 18, marking a significant event in their competitive calendar.
