After a decade’s incredible service at the Etihad, the Spanish midfielder departed in the summer for a new challenge in his homeland with Real Sociedad.
But quizzed at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to West Ham as to whether City Silva’s absence had changed the way we play, Guardiola asserted that the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden give City a number of compelling alternative midfield options..
“What can I say? The influence David had in the last decade and for the period we were together – it’s so difficult to find those qualities. He moves in small spaces and he is a guy who gave us something unique,” said the City boss.
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“We have to find an alternative. In general, the concept is the same - nothing changes. When Gundo, Bernardo or Phil are playing in that position we have to use the quality of these guys for the benefit of the guy and the team.
“It is what it is but, of course, the influence of David was incredible - not just in the period we were together but in the whole of his time in Manchester.”
Play the video to watch Pep’s press conference in full...
