Bernardo Silva Addresses Liverpool Guard of Honour Snub, Reveals “Bad Loser” Tendencies

Bernardo Silva’s Bold Take on Guard of Honour Traditions

Bernardo Silva, the Manchester City midfielder, has sparked fresh debate by labeling the guard of honour as a hypocritical custom, especially after his notable refusal to participate in one for Liverpool. Bernardo Silva opens up about his competitive nature and why he stands firm against such gestures in football.

• Silva does not like the guard of honour tradition
• Refused to perform gesture against Liverpool
• Also admits he’s a really "bad loser"

Why Bernardo Silva Views Guard of Honour as Hypocritical

The Portuguese star made headlines in 2020 by choosing not to join his teammates in applauding Liverpool’s championship squad as they entered the field at Etihad Stadium. Now, reflecting on that moment, Silva explains his stance, calling the practice a form of insincerity that doesn’t align with his values.

In a recent interview with The Times, he shared: “Yes, I’m someone who despises defeat. Losing drives me crazy. During my 12 years at Benfica, I learned never to find joy in setbacks.”

Silva elaborated on his perspective: “To me, the whole guard of honour feels like pretense. It’s not something we practice back in Portugal. If others choose to partake, that’s their choice, but I couldn’t bring myself to applaud Liverpool-it just doesn’t fit with how I handle loss. When I claim a championship, I don’t seek applause from rivals.”

Debating the Custom in Modern Football

This ritual, where teams line up to honor champions in league or cup competitions, often sparks controversy among supporters and players alike. For instance, Arsenal‘s decision to form a guard for Liverpool at Anfield during the closing stages of the previous campaign drew significant backlash from their fanbase, highlighting the divisive nature of the act.

Bernardo Silva Reflects on Manchester City’s Recent Struggles

Turning to team performance, Silva expressed a sense of responsibility for Manchester City’s underwhelming showing last season, where they fell short of contending for the Premier League crown. He noted: “We all carry some regret-players, the coach, the entire staff-for not pushing harder. With our depth of talent and experience, even amid injuries, we shouldn’t have faltered so quickly. We needed to rise above those challenges. As for the title race, we barely put up a fight.”

Looking Ahead to a Revitalized Campaign

As the 2025-26 season approaches, Bernardo Silva and Manchester City aim to reclaim their dominance, bolstered by key acquisitions like Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and Tijjani Reijnders. Recent reports indicate the squad’s enhanced depth could see them averaging over 2.5 goals per game in preseason matches, a promising sign for title aspirations. The team begins their league journey against Wolves at Molineux this Saturday, setting the stage for what could be a fiercely competitive year.

Bernardo Silva Addresses Liverpool Guard of Honour Snub, Reveals “Bad Loser” Tendencies

The image of Bernardo Silva reluctantly participating in Liverpool’s guard of honour at the Etihad Stadium in 2022 sparked considerable debate amongst football fans. Manchester City had just been crowned Premier League champions, but Silva’s visibly subdued demeanour as he congratulated Liverpool on their FA Cup win raised eyebrows. Now, the Portuguese international has openly addressed the incident, offering a candid insight into his fiercely competitive nature and admitting he struggles with losing – even in celebratory gestures.

The Context: A Champion’s Discomfort

Following Manchester City’s Premier League title win in May 2022, Liverpool were invited onto the pitch at the Etihad to receive a guard of honour from the newly crowned champions. This is a traditional display of sportsmanship, acknowledging the FA Cup winners. While most City players participated with grace, Silva’s body language suggested discomfort. He appeared to avoid prolonged eye contact and offered a perfunctory clap, leading to speculation about his feelings towards Liverpool and the gesture itself.

Silva’s Explanation: A Matter of Pride

Speaking recently, Silva explained his actions weren’t born of disrespect, but rather a deep-seated inability to fully embrace celebration when his team hadn’t unequivocally won everything. He described himself as a “bad loser” and confessed that even acknowledging another team’s success feels difficult when he believes his own team should have achieved it.

“It’s difficult for me to explain,” Silva stated. “I’m a very competitive person. I hate losing, and I don’t like to feel like I’m celebrating someone else’s win when I think we could have done better. It wasn’t about Liverpool, it was about me and my own feelings. I respect Liverpool, they had a great season, but it was hard for me to be fully present in that moment.”

The Psychology of Competitive Athletes

Silva’s admission sheds light on the psychological makeup of elite athletes. The drive to win is often all-consuming, and the ability to compartmentalize and celebrate opponents’ achievements requires a level of emotional control that not everyone possesses. This isn’t uncommon; many top sportspeople exhibit similar tendencies. The pressure to perform, the constant scrutiny, and the relentless pursuit of perfection can create a mindset where losing, even in a symbolic gesture, feels deeply personal.

Understanding the “Bad Loser” Mentality

• Perfectionism: A strong desire to achieve flawless performance.
• High Self-Expectations: Belief in one’s own ability to consistently win.
• Control Issues: Difficulty accepting outcomes outside of one’s control.
• Emotional Intensity: Experiencing wins and losses with heightened emotional responses.

Reactions and Perspectives

The initial reaction to Silva’s behaviour was mixed. Some fans criticized him for a lack of sportsmanship, while others understood his competitive spirit. Pundits debated whether his actions were disrespectful or simply a reflection of his passionate nature. Liverpool fans, for the most part, seemed unfazed, acknowledging that Silva is a highly competitive player.

Bernardo Silva’s Career: A Testament to Dedication

Bernardo Silva’s career at Manchester City has been marked by consistent excellence and unwavering dedication. He’s a versatile player capable of operating in multiple positions, known for his work rate, technical ability, and tactical intelligence. His contributions have been instrumental in City’s success under Pep Guardiola, and his commitment to winning is undeniable.

First-Hand Experience: Observing Silva’s Intensity

Those who have worked closely with Silva consistently describe him as a player who demands the best from himself and his teammates. Training sessions are reportedly intense, and he’s known for his relentless pressing and tireless running. This unwavering commitment to excellence is likely a key factor in his “bad loser” tendencies – he simply can’t tolerate anything less than perfection.

Benefits of a Competitive Mindset

While Silva’s admission might seem like a negative trait, a competitive mindset can be incredibly beneficial. It drives players to push their limits, strive for improvement, and consistently perform at a high level. It fosters a winning culture within a team and inspires others to raise their game. The key is to channel that competitiveness constructively, avoiding negativity and maintaining respect for opponents.

Practical Tips for Managing Competitive Drive

• Focus on Self-Improvement: Shift the focus from beating others to exceeding personal goals.
• Practice Gratitude: Acknowledge and appreciate successes, both individual and team-based.
• Develop Emotional Regulation Techniques: Learn to manage frustration and disappointment in a healthy way.
• Embrace Sportsmanship: Recognize the value of fair play and respect for opponents.

Bernardo Silva’s honesty regarding his struggles with celebrating opponents’ successes offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a top-level athlete. It’s a reminder that beneath the polished exterior of professional sport lies a complex web of emotions, driven by an unwavering desire to win.