Bernardo Silva sends clear warning to Manchester City stars ahead of Al-Hilal showdown | OneFootball

Manchester City’s stars have been warned by their team captain that it’s “kill or be killed” at the FIFA Club World Cup this summer having reached the knockout stages.

Pep Guardiola’s Premier League outfit cruised their way into the last-16 of this summer’s tournament in the United States with a first-place finish to compliment and a place on the more favourable side of the competition bracket.

Having dismissed of Juventus, Manchester City have set themselves up a contest against second position in Group H – subsequently avoiding Spanish giants Real Madrid and formalising a reunion with Joao Cancelo at Al-Hilal.

Taking a place on the left side of the competition bracket also means that City will avoid the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund, in addition to the aforementioned La Liga outfit.

Speaking after Manchester City’s hugely impressive 2-5 victory over Juventus on Thursday night, club captain Bernardo Silva was keen to praise the performance of his side as they secured top spot in Group G.

“We’re very happy with what we did against a top team; we managed to control the game, keep the ball. Apart from little mistakes individually, it was probably the best performance we’ve had at this tournament. We’re qualified 1st in the Group and we’re very happy,” said Bernardo.

He continued on whether the scoreline was a ‘statement’ victory for his side, “It’s just another win. An important win because it makes us 1st. I don’t know if it’s a statement or not.

“It’s three points, we’re happy to be in the United States, happy to have qualified for the last-16, and we’re in this to win. We’re one step closer to that, now watch the games to see who is our next opponent and prepare well.

“Now it’s kill or be killed! And we have to be ready for this next stage of important games and we’re going to prepare well!”

Much of Manchester City’s strength over Juventus came from their ability to rotate their options from the bench throughout the contest, with the likes of Erling Haaland and Phil Foden in particular making huge contributions from the bench.

“We have a big squad, especially for this tournament and hopefully the season, and the impact these players have had – not just this game but in other games – has been massive,” Bernardo Silva said on the fact.

He added, “Once again today the guys that came from the bench helped a lot, and you need everyone to be successful!”

Manchester City now have several days to rest, recover, and put together their best preparations before returning to the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida next week to face Al-Hilal.

It will be a return to their Boca Raton training centre in the meantime, as City take advantage of the world class facilities on offer at Lynn University and the surroundings available, whilst also catching up with family and friends – many of whom have joined the squad in the US.