Manchester City creative midfielder Bersant Celina has thanked first-team manager Manuel Pellegrini for helping him in his development - whilst saying David Silva is his personal inspiration. In an interview conducted with the Independent recently, Celina said that he'll always be grateful to Pellegrini for giving him the belief to progress, and that he learns from Silva by watching how he uses the ball in possession.
"I am very thankful [to Pellegrini], I really like him and have a feeling that he likes me as well. He tells me I don't need to show my skills, it doesn't make me a better player. He says to keep everything simple, and not to lose the ball."
Praise for Silva
"I just learn by looking at Silva. The way he plays, passes the ball, how he takes care of it and doesn't lose it. All the details in his game."
Celina, 19, is poised to feature in Sunday's FA Cup clash away against Chelsea - with plenty of youngsters expected to be included in the matchday squad.
Given the inconvenience of TV scheduling, Pellegrini's side will face the Blues in Sunday's final Cup encounter - a day before they travel to Ukraine in preparation for their Champions League first leg tie against Dynamo Kyiv on Wednesday. Because of this, plenty of key players are expected to be rested. Celina will be eagerly anticipating his chance to shine at Stamford Bridge, something that he's done on plenty of separate occasions within the Barclays Under-21 Premier League this term.
Celina - understandably keen to impress
With Simon Davies' U21 side leaving seven youngsters out of their 1-0 victory over neighbours Manchester United on Saturday - the Kosovan is expected to start, and you can bet he'll be eager to impress as he did during their 3-1 defeat against Leicester - coming off the substitutes' bench to create the assist for Sergio Agüero's consolation goal.