Pep Guardiola has emphasised how challenging it would have been to replace both Kyle Walker and Bernardo Silva for Manchester City.
Speaking after his side’s 3-1 victory against West Ham United (via the club’s official website), he addressed the experienced duo’s importance at the Etihad Stadium.
It’s safe to say that Pep Guardiola continues to hold Kyle Walker and Bernardo Silva in extremely high regard.
Pep Guardiola says Kyle Walker and Bernardo Silva are ‘irreplaceable’
Previously as well, Guardiola branded Walker as ‘irreplaceable’ when it seemed like he was Bayern Munich-bound.
While the Portuguese international, who has looked like he has been set for an exit for years now has always been one of the Spaniard’s most trusted weapons.
Now, Pep Guardiola has painted a picture of how crucial Kyle Walker and Bernardo Silva are to Manchester City, both on and off the pitch.
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“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 for many aspects. Because the characters to be in the team need one year, two years, three years and maybe the players that substitute the players [that leave] the quality is there and they will be good”, he said.
Pep Guardiola said that especially after losing Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez this summer, it was imperative for Manchester City to keep a hold of Kyle Walker and Bernardo Silva.
“But to be composed, to be what they [Bernardo and Walker] have is so difficult. It needs time and that’s why after losing important players like Gundo [Ilkay Gundogan] and Riyad [Mahrez], it is really, really important as well [that they stayed]. Have lost these players, to lose two more would have been incredibly important. That is why we are very pleased the club made the job and the players want to stay a little bit longer with us.”
“So yeah, [we are] very happy.”
To have tied Kyle Walker and Bernardo Silva to new contracts until 2026 will delight Pep Guardiola, as he will have his eyes on making more history at Manchester City this season and beyond.