Bernardo Silva: Man City need to beat Tottenham for the Premier League title, not revenge

Down and out | Bernardo Silva holds his head in his hands after Spurs knocked City out of the Champions League
AP Photo/Jon Super

Bernardo Silva has ruled out a revenge mission against a Tottenham on Saturday - but insists victory is a must to keep Man City’s season on course.

Pep Guardiola’s side must quickly recover from their dramatic Champions League quarter-final exit to Spurs when the teams meet again in a crunch title clash on Saturday.

A 4-3 win for City at the Etihad on Wednesday saw them go out on away goals after Spurs’ 1-0 lead from the first leg.

Now retaining the title is Guardiola’s priority - while there is also the FA Cup final to come - and Bernardo claims City can’t allow themselves to wallow over the end of their quadruple and European dreams.

“We need the three points, to win,” said the Portuguese playmaker. “Obviously we are very disappointed, but we will have to forget about it and go for the competitions we are still in.

“It’s not time for revenge, it’s time for another competition, time to keep us alive in the title race.

“We will try to win the game in the same way we did on Wednesday, knowing that we are playing against a very good team. That will make it difficult for us.

“We know Liverpool are probably winning all their games so we have to win all our games.

“Our focus is to win three points after three points and at the end of it try to celebrate the title.”

Fernando Llorente’s decisive strike, which appeared hit his elbow before crossing the line killed Guardiola’s pursuit of a first Champions League crown since twice winning the competition with Barcelona.

Even still there was time for VAR drama as Raheem Sterling’s injury time winner was ruled out for offside.

In Pictures | Man City vs Tottenham, Champions League | 17/04/2019

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Bernardo added: “I think after being 2-1 behind coming back to 4-2 was quite good from us, and then conceding the corner goal.

“We're disappointed with the result and the way we conceded the goals. I think the way the team played was very good, it was fantastic, especially after 2-1. But that's football.

“Now we have to focus on the Premier League and FA Cup, but it's not a very good feeling to have.

“It was an intense game. It is easy to say, but I think we deserved better.

“We have to accept it and next season we will try again.”

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