Manchester City star Bernard Silva claimed that Real Madrid have improved from last year, ahead of the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash against Los Blancos. The game is delicately set after a 3-3 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu, although of course Real Madrid will be wary of Manchester City's strength after being beaten 4-0 following the same result last season.
“It is a very dangerous team because it is a team that plays in a very different way from ours. You feel that you have control of the game, and you never do … and they score two goals in a moment. It is a very strange feeling and that's why they won that competition so many times. Individually they are the best team in the world, so we play at home and we have a lot of confidence, but the maximum respect.”
Since last season, the biggest change at Real Madrid is that Jude Bellingham has come into the side, while Karim Benzema is out, with Rodrygo Goes also playing more regularly. Silva was of the opinion that Carlo Ancelotti's team had improved.
“It's a different team because they've changed the way they play. Before they played 4-3-3 most of the time. Now I feel like they play a bit more like a 4-4-2, with Jude who plays as a false 9. Rodrygo plays more regularly. But no doubt they will come here hurt from what happened last year our part in the Bernabeu game, we didn't play our best, fix it and try to be better.”
Bernardo Silva on Modric and Kroos:
“They are examples to follow. The consistency with which they play, they have done this for 15 years … and after everything they have achieved, they continue to work. They are an example for children, who should look at how they behave on the field.” pic.twitter.com/rubKzLtVZx
— Football Spain (@footballespana_) April 16, 2024
Manager Pep Guardiola wasn't so sure they had faced a better team.
“I will not say that I do not agree with him, but I am not sure that I completely agree with him … but last year, with different players, they had a great team. Benzema, Modric, it is a team exceptional. I know when I say positive things about Madrid, people don't believe me. But I always had respect for the club, the history, the players. When I was a footballer or now as a coach, people look at my comments and i can't control it.
For sure Real Madrid they have improved considerably at the back this season, with Antonio Rudiger still a much better defence, at least statistically. This is despite injuries to David Alaba, Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois, but with Nacho Fernandez looking likely to start against City on Wednesday, he will face his toughest test of the season.
