Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva has candidly acknowledged that the international break has arrived at an opportune moment for the reigning Premier League champions, who have endured a rare slump in form, Soccernet.football reports.
Silva, 30, featured in Portugal’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Poland in the UEFA Nations League on Friday.
Speaking to reporters after the match, with quotes relayed by OJogo, he reflected on City’s recent struggles and stressed how the break could provide a much-needed reset for Pep Guardiola’s side.
“This break has been very beneficial for us. Let’s not deny it: it was a difficult time for our team,” Silva admitted. “It had never happened to me in my career. At City, I can’t even remember losing two games in a row.”
The usually imperious Citizens stumbled into the international pause following a string of four consecutive losses across all competitions.
This included a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup, a humbling 4-1 Champions League loss to Sporting CP, and back-to-back Premier League setbacks against AFC Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion.
The absence of key players has exacerbated City’s difficulties.
Midfield anchor Rodri remains sidelined, while Kevin De Bruyne has only just returned after over a month out with a hamstring injury.
Silva believes the international break offers his team a chance to regroup and recover.
“It’s done us good because there are players who will be back from injury, and we have fresh heads to get back to our maximum level at this stage of the season,” Silva added.
Manchester City, currently second in the league and five points behind leaders Liverpool, resume their campaign against Tottenham at the Etihad on November 23.