# Bernardo Silva comments on Haaland’s drought and Guardiola’s decisions.

- URL: https://apitofinal.pt/en/nacional-en/bernardo-silva-comments-on-haaland-s-drought-and-guardiola-s-decisions/
- Published: 2026-03-16T17:10:47+00:00
- Updated: 2026-07-04T07:51:54+00:00
- Publisher: Apito Final (apitofinal.pt)
- Section: Nacional
- Tags: Bernardo Silva, Erling Haaland, Manchester City, Pep Guardiola

## Key points

- Bernardo Silva diz que o Manchester City quer virar o resultado após a derrota por 3-0 frente ao Real Madrid na primeira mão dos oitavos.
- O capitão defende que Erling Haaland deve jogar, pois, quando está em campo, é mais fácil marcar golos.
- Haaland não marca há três jogos consecutivos desde o regresso de lesão, e a pressão sobre o norueguês está a aumentar.

## Article

The [Manchester City](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/pep-guardiola-surpreende-ao-cancelar-treino-antes-do-embate-com-o-real-madrid/), one of the major giants of the [Champions League](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/chelsea-e-psg-quem-leva-a-melhor-na-batalha-da-champions-league/), is facing a critical moment in their campaign, especially after the painful 3-0 defeat against [Real Madrid](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/manchester-united-em-risco-de-perder-pilar-de-26m-para-real-madrid/) in the first leg of the round of 16. The team captain, Bernardo Silva, did not hesitate to express his team’s determination to overturn this result. With a clear focus on the decisions of coach Pep Guardiola, Silva highlighted the importance of having Norwegian star Erling Haaland on the pitch, especially following his return from injury, which has been marked by a notable lack of goals.

“They pay Pep a lot of money to make those decisions. We have fantastic players, and no one is irreplaceable. I would prefer Erling Haaland to play because when he is on the pitch, it is easier to score,” Silva stated, demonstrating his confidence in Haaland’s ability to impact the game. The captain did not shy away from addressing the current situation of the forward, who has not found the back of the net in three consecutive matches since his return. “Great players are there for the big games,” he emphasized, reinforcing the need to rely on their best players to face top opponents like [Real Madrid](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/newcastle-united-quer-recuperar-medio-mas-man-united-e-man-city-complicam-negocios/).

Meanwhile, the pressure on Haaland is increasing, as his performance since returning from an injury at the end of February has raised concerns. Fans and analysts are questioning whether the lack of goals could be a hindrance to City’s ambitions in the competition. Silva also made a point to mention that other stars, such as [Kylian Mbappé](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/real-madrid-garante-o-regresso-de-jovem-avancado-promissor/) and Rodrygo, have also faced availability issues, challenging the notion that the absence of key players is an acceptable excuse.

With the future of the team at stake, hope rests on Haaland’s return to form, as he bears the responsibility of leading the attacking line. The [Manchester City](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/guardiola-surpreende-com-decisao-antes-do-duelo-entre-manchester-city-e-real-madrid/) is determined not to be discouraged and to fight until the [end](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/rafael-leao-em-baixa-o-que-se-passa-com-o-seu-desempenho/), relying on the talent and experience of their players to turn the situation around in the second leg. The pressure is high, but the determination is even greater. The [Champions League](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/chelsea-recebe-grande-impulso-com-a-recuperacao-de-estevao-antes-do-duelo-com-o-psg/) is a stage where true champions shine, and City is ready to show that they still have much to give.