Guardiola is a big fan of the Portuguese star, who joined us in July 2017 from Monaco.
After helping his country to the World Cup quarter-finals where they were eliminated by the competition’s surprise outfit Morocco, Bernardo was a late substitute in the 3-2 Carabao Cup win over Liverpool, an unused sub in the 3-1 victory over Leeds before starting in the 1-1 draw with Everton.
Guardiola stressed, in his pre-match press conference, how vital Bernardo is to the City squad as the campaign progresses.
He said: “He is a key player, so important on and off the pitch.
“A guy who can talk and always a nice conversation - always you learn something about his humanity, about his vision and the team and the Premier League and the Club.
“He is incredible player against top sides and an important, important player in decisive games, always he is there.”
CITY+ | SIGN UP TO ACCESS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
Guardiola was also quick to praise young starlet Rico Lewis, saying his impact is ‘beyond my expectation’.
He added: “About what he has done in the last three games, it was beyond my expectation against top sides, big pressure, how good he played.
“Every action he does, everything is well done. Everything.
“He has the ability to read the situations every time and, in a fraction of a second, always his decision is good.
“He never reacts after - he anticipates the things. He is an intelligent player.
“He can play in different positions. We are delighted the Academy has produced another top quality player and hopefully he can stay for a long, long time.”
Watch the press conference in the video player above.
CITY+ AND RECAST
You can watch exclusive City content on CITY+ and Recast.
Available for just £2.99 per month across all our digit platforms, a CITY+ subscription and provides supporters with unrivalled access to new and exclusive City content.
It will allow you to watch full-match replays of all Men’s and Women’s matches, selected broadcasts of Women’s, Elite Development Squad and Academy matches and provides access to the full catalogue of City Studios documentaries.
The official Man City Recast channel offers fans flexible, pay-per-view live fixtures and on demand viewing options including match action from across the years, legend interviews, Best of Series, Man City Esports and City Studios documentaries.
