The inspirational Portuguese midfielder captained City to a memorable Carabao Cup final triumph over Arsenal last weekend.
It was the 19th piece of major silverware Bernardo has won in what has been a incredible era at the Club following his move to Manchester from Monaco in 2017.
However, the Wembley success marked the first trophy triumph for a host of younger players who have all joined Pep Guardiola’s squad over the past two years or so.
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And, speaking on the latest edition of the Official Man City Podcast which will be released on YouTube, mancity.com and our official app at 18:00 (UK) today, Bernardo insisted he was confident it could prove to be the first of many pieces of silverware for City looking to the future.
“For sure I see the same hunger to succeed in the new guys,” Bernardo said.
“Now they know the standards of this club.
“The standard that is required and that we set in the last eight or nine years at this football club.
“It gives them even more hunger to go for it and to say ‘Look, we are also capable of that.’
“Because this club in the last years we proved that if you want to be a part of it you need to be a winner.
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“These guys that have joined the club in the last two or three years they are really, really good.
“They can put this club exactly where it was - in a place where we can fight for titles every season.
“So, I see the fire in their eyes and that’s a very good thing.”
Speaking in the podcast, Bernardo also touched upon the principles and philosophy that have underscored his approach to captaincy.
Having assumed the captain’s armband last summer, he revealed how setting the right standard and seeking to drive and inspire the best out of each other every day were his guiding touchstones.
“I would say I behave exactly the same way I always have but the main thing is to try to create the right environment in the dressing room,” Bernardo added.
“Not just me but everyone in the captain’s group.
“I try to be an example on the pitch, and I try to be an example in every training session
“The main thing is for us to respect each other, to create the roles and standards and be very competitive with each other.
“I remember when Riyad Mahrez was here and he was performing at such a high level I knew had to match and try to beat that.
“Every player has a different personality and character but for sure Fernandinho and Vincent [Kompany] - my first captains here - were very good examples.
“Not only in the way they welcomed me but to make sure I felt at home from day one, and that is what we as the older guys try to make the newer guys feel.
“I want them to feel relaxed and comfortable to maximise their talents because they have huge talent.”
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City lifted the Carabao Cup for a ninth time on Sunday afternoon when Pep Guardiola’s side beat Arsenal 2-0 at Wembley.
A four-minute Nico O’Reilly brace was the difference as the top two teams in the country went head to head for the first piece of silverware in 2025/26.
To celebrate the momentous occasion, you can look just like your favourite City players with our 2026 Winners Range!
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