Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva has delivered a brutally honest assessment of last season, admitting there were moments he "hated" and revealing the squad's collective guilt over their perceived failures.
The Portuguese playmaker, instrumental in City's recent dominance, opened up about the emotional toll of the campaign as Pep Guardiola's side fell short in their quest for another historic treble.
A Season of Struggle
"There were parts of last season I really hated," Silva confessed. "When you set such high standards and then don't meet them, it eats away at you. We feel guilty about not achieving what we know we're capable of."
The 29-year-old didn't shy away from acknowledging the team's shortcomings, particularly in their Champions League exit and the tight Premier League title race that went down to the wire.
The Weight of Expectation
Silva revealed how the pressure of maintaining City's unprecedented success took its toll: "When you win everything, people expect you to win everything again. That pressure builds, and sometimes it's hard to carry."
He admitted the squad had been "too hard on ourselves" after minor setbacks, creating a negative cycle that affected performances.
A New Dawn for City
Looking ahead to the new season, Silva issued a passionate rallying cry to his teammates: "This is a new era for us. We have to learn from last season but not dwell on it. The hunger needs to return."
The creative midfielder emphasised the importance of mental resilience: "Talent alone isn't enough anymore. We need to rebuild that mentality that made us unstoppable."
Guardiola's Influence
Silva reserved special praise for manager Pep Guardiola, crediting him with keeping the squad focused during difficult moments: "Pep never lets standards drop. Even when we were struggling, he pushed us to be better."
As City prepare for their Premier League defence, Silva's candid reflections offer a fascinating insight into the psychology of one of football's most dominant teams - and their determination to reclaim their throne.
