Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admits David Silva will play a lesser role next season
The 32-year-old, who has been nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award, will have rest periods next term
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PEP GUARDIOLA has admitted that David Silva will play a lesser role at Manchester City next season.
The Blues boss is planning to introduce rest spells for the Spain international, who turned 32 earlier this season.
Silva was a candidate for the Player of the Year award after bagging nine goals and 11 assists for City this season.
Despite continuing to impress at the Etihad, the ex-Valencia star is expected to feature less next term.
Guardiola said: "Next season, David maybe will not play every game, that's why the squad has to be big.
"He's played more due to his absence, more energy in the legs.
"The decisions are taken day by day and it is what it is."
When asked if Silva deserves an accolade, Guardiola added: "No doubt, but it's my opinion.
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"I'm not a big fan of these situations, of course I would like my players to be there but what they decide is going to be because other teams are going be there as well.
"We didn't attack in Liverpool because the movements were not good - one moment and the other is so important."
And the Blues boss does not believe that Silva will be too bothered if another sublime season goes unnoticed.
He added: "For him, David is so normal.
"He deserves recognition from team-matea. He'd like to be there but it doesn't change his life."
Silva has had take time away from the pitch lately to spend time with his wife and son, who was born prematurely.
