PEP TALKS ABOUT HOW BERNARDO AND WALKER ARE ‘INREPLACEABLE’
Pep Guardiola says Saturday’s fine 3-1 victory over West Ham only reinforced the importance of City convincing Bernardo Silva and Kyle Walker to sign new contracts at the club.
Reflecting on the last few games, the City coach admitted that it was a great incentive to have Bernardo and Walker – who joined in 2017 – further extending their stays at the Etihad, given their importance to the team, as Ilkay Gundogan and Riad Mahrez went to other teams.
“Losing Kyle and Bernardo would have been very difficult,” reflected Guardiola .
“It’s not about how important they are on the pitch – they are important figures and personalities and there are many things that are almost irreplaceable in many ways.”
“Because the characters, to be integrated into the team, need a year, two years, three years and maybe the players who replace the players (who leave) the quality is there, and they will be good.”
“But being composed, being what they ( Bernardo and Walker) are is very difficult.”
“It takes time and that’s why after losing important players like Gundo and Riyad it’s very, very important too (that they stayed).”
“That’s why we are very pleased that the club has done the work and the players want to stay with us a little longer. So, yes, (we are) very happy.”
Walker again caught the eye with his athleticism and energy combined with his game intelligence, proving to be key components as City inflicted their first defeat of this season on the Hammers.
Asked if Walker’s enduring level of impressive physicality surprised him, the boss thanked Kyle’s parents.
“I would say I’m not surprised, as I’ve known him for seven years! But I have to admit that when he’s stable, happy whatever it is… wow, he has the ability,” admitted the City manager.
“His mom and dad gave him some of the genetics that our mom and dad didn’t give us!”
“That’s the reality and every time, he’s a better player, he understands the game with the ball better, in every aspect he’s very, very good.”
