“One of the best players I have trained in my life” – Pep Guardiola lauds Bernardo Silva after majestic Manchester City performance

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was full of praise for midfielder Bernardo Silva after Tuesday’s emphatic Champions League quarter-final first-leg win over Bayern Munich.

The Sky Blues will take a handsome three goal advantage to the Allianz Arena next week following an incredible 3-0 win over Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich at the Etihad Stadium.

In a hard-fought first half, Rodri opened the scoring with a spectacular first Champions League goal, fabulously curling the ball into the far corner from outside the area.

Manchester City were in the ascendancy in the second half and stamped their authority on the quarter-final tie with goals from Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland.

City will take a 3-0 lead into the second-leg in Germany next Wednesday courtesy of Tuesday nights emphatic victory, as Pep Guardiola’s side took a major step towards reaching a third consecutive Champions League semi-final.

Bernardo Silva was selected ahead of Riyad Mahrez for the clash, and the decision proved fruitful for Guardiola, as the Portuguese international had a magnificent individual display out wide.

The 28 year-old scored the decisive second goal, heading in from close range after a smart cross from Haaland, as City capitalised on a Bayern Munich defensive mistake.

Praising another imperious performance from the midfielder, Guardiola labelled the Manchester City star as “one of the best players” he has ever trained.

“He is one of the best players I have trained in my life. He’s special,” said the Catalan.

“Bernardo Silva is a football player. What does it mean? He will play everywhere because he understands the game. Bernardo has the ability to read.

“But Bernardo is such an important player in these type of games. He can play holding midfield, false nine, he score recently a lot of goals.

“He is a player if you say play in this position, he understands everything.”

Manchester City resume their bid to win the treble on Saturday, facing Leicester City at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League, where the Blues will have the chance to move within three points of Arsenal with a victory.

Guardiola’s side then travel to Germany for the third time this season, having already faced RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.