Manchester City will want to be on their side to win matches and look to triumph in the final, said midfielder Bernardo Silva.
Silva said Manchester City’s task in the Champions League has not become any less difficult with the exits of Real Madrid and Liverpool, as the team is able to win.
Pep Guardiola’s City has eliminated Real in the last 16 matches, while protective champion Liverpool has been eliminated via Atletico Madrid.
“The fact that Liverpool is absent, Real Madrid is absent: it will ease the way.
“All the groups in Lisbon are here because they deserve it. We have to be on our own to win matches and check to succeed in the final.”
City is a firm favourite at the head of Saturday’s quarter-finals against Olympique Lyonnais, but Silva said he would be complacent.
“Anything can happen, Juventus were eliminated through Lyon, we lost to Tottenham Hotspur last year in the quarter-finals,” Silva told City.
“We’ve noticed a lot of surprises. It’s very difficult to expect the effects of this competition,” he said.
Silva, who was born in Lisbon and started his career at Benfica, said the prospect of lifting the trophy at home had given him an additional motivation.
“Winning this festival has been a purpose for the players and the club. It will be very special to win it. For me, more because it’s my city,” he added. (Reuters / NAN)