Pep Guardiola has insisted that naming Bernardo Silva as Manchester City captain is the best decision he's made this season, despite the Portugal international's uncertain future.
Speaking last week, City No 2 Pepijn Lijnders appeared to confirm that the veteran would be leaving at the end of the season.
Following an emphatic 4-0 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup, Lijnders said: "You never replace a player with the same kind of player because they don't exist.
"Bernardo Silva is unique. The way he controls games, the way he moves, the way he receives, the way he leads, the way he sees the solutions. All these things.
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"But it will be hard because, as I said, in the game, when he is not playing you will see how he is missed – and that's one game. Imagine a season.
"But every good story comes to an end, and I hope he enjoys the last months – there are only six weeks – and has a good farewell.
"He deserves all that attention as well."
However, Guardiola has suggested that Silva hasn't conclusively decided to leave the club, while also hailing the former Monaco star for his influence on the dressing room.
Bernardo Silva's Man City future is currently up in the air
|GETTY
“[Appointing Bernardo captain was] The best decision I made this season,” Guardiola stated.
“The previous ones [captains] have been good [so I] don’t say he’s better than the other ones.
“Most of the captains I had, always you have to think what the team requires and not all can be possible.
“In the good moments the team comes first but in the bad moments it’s how you have to be, whether it’s against you, but you put the club ahead of you. Not everyone can do that.
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Five things to know about Man City boss Pep Guardiola | PA/GETTY“Last season was the biggest example [in terms of Bernardo’s leadership example].
“Last season was the toughest one, I understand the reason why, but he was always there.
“For nine years I know him quite well, and for the manager, all the managers will say the same as I’m saying.
“You can love him because he’s an incredible competitor with a fire inside, in the toughest moments he’s always there.
“I said many times big games aren’t about being good or bad but about being there and being yourself.
“Since day one when he arrived, he’s had them.
“Leading by example, always playing, always training good.
Pep Guardiola is targeting another Premier League title with Man City
| REUTERS“He’s been an incredible signing.”
Just weeks ago, Arsenal looked destined to win the title.
However, with City in resurgent form, Guardiola is dreaming of securing the biggest title of them all once more.
On Sunday, they'll travel to a Chelsea side who have struggled for consistency ever since the appointment of Liam Rosenior back in January.
The Blues sit sixth going into the match, though are just a point behind Liverpool in fifth.
Another defeat would be catastrophic, however, and City are likely to go strong as they look to reel Arsenal in.