City’s defeat to Al-Hilal in a chaotic 4–3 extra-time cut short their run, but Silva was clear: no one wanted it that way.
“None of us wanted to lose. None of us wanted more holiday,” said the midfielder. “We’re used to not having time off — the schedule’s mad — but when we enter a tournament, we go for it. We wanted this one.”
Silva, now 30, admitted the loss felt similar to past Champions League exits. “Yeah, a little bit,” he said when asked to compare the feeling.
It remains unclear how much of a break the squad will now get, but Silva stressed the squad will be sharp and ready by the time the league kicks off.
“We don’t know the exact dates,” he said. “We’ll rest where we can, but we’ll be back to prepare properly. That’s up to the manager and staff — whether it’s two weeks or three — they’ll get us ready.”
City’s campaign ended in the last 16, edged out by Marcos Leonardo’s decisive goal in extra time. Guardiola’s side had breezed through Group G, brushing past Al Ain and dismantling Juventus, but couldn’t repeat that dominance when it mattered.
The domestic season now comes into focus. City begin their Premier League schedule against Wolves at Molineux on 16th August.