Bernardo Silva has highlighted the tactical balance Real Madrid must strike between controlling possession and maintaining their attacking threat after their 4-1 Champions League victory over RB Leipzig on matchday three.
The Portuguese midfielder also celebrated scoring his first goal in the shirt and stressed the importance of the upcoming El Clasico against Barcelona.
Bernardo Silva explains Real Madrid’s challenge
Real Madrid’s individual quality gives them plenty of options in one-on-one situations, but Bernardo believes turning that attacking talent into a consistent team performance requires careful preparation.
Speaking to Movistar Plus+ (h/t Mundo Deportivo) after the win over Leipzig, he admitted that finding the right approach is not straightforward.
“It’s difficult to strike a balance between controlling the game and not being a boring team”
He expanded on the challenge, explaining how Madrid must combine possession with forward movement rather than allowing control of the ball to come at the expense of their attacking ambition.
“We’re a team with players who are very aggressive individually in one-on-one situations, who like to dribble and find space.
“We need to strike a balance between keeping possession and pushing forward, being direct.
“That balance between controlling the game and not being a boring team, whilst remaining intense and aggressive, is difficult and we have to be very well prepared,” he added.
First goal and signs of progress encourage Bernardo
The Leipzig victory carried personal significance for Bernardo, who was pleased to get on the scoresheet while acknowledging that Real Madrid had to improve after a less convincing first half.
He also credited Thibaut Courtois for making important interventions before the team raised its level after the break.
“I’m very happy to have won this match and scored my first goal in this shirt. It was a difficult match; we were much better in the second half than in the first.
“In the first half, we let them get into our box quite a few times and Thibaut was crucial,” said the Portuguese player.
Bernardo believes the squad is progressing, although he warned that the early-season results must translate into sustained form if Madrid are to compete for major honours later in the campaign.
“It’s good to feel that the team remains confident and is improving. I think we’re improving quite a lot; it’s only the start of the season.
“We need to keep winning game by game so that, in the last three or four months, we can be in the running for trophies – which is what this club demands of you,” he noted.
The midfielder also made clear that his role is secondary to the team’s needs, regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench.
Bernardo Silva scored his first goal for Real Madrid. (Picture credit: Real Madrid website)
“I’m still working hard. I’m ready to help this club for one, five, ten or ninety minutes. On the day the manager feels he needs me, I’ll be ready.”
Furthermore, he underlined the importance of having contributors throughout the squad rather than relying on a small group of regular starters.
“For a team to function, you need more than just two or three players; you need players who feel they can make a difference.
“We’ve got that with those who are playing more or less regularly; the spirit is good and we’re continuing to work hard – we’re on the right track.”
Real Madrid’s El Clasico challenge carries early significance
Bernardo’s focus has already shifted towards Barcelona, with the midfielder recognising that the result could have an immediate effect on the La Liga standings.
Although the season remains in its early stages, he believes the points at stake make the meeting especially important.
“It’s an important match; let’s not kid ourselves. We could end up three points behind, nine points behind, or even six.
“We have to go into it really keen to do well, because it’s early in the season, but these are important points for us,” he concluded.