Bernardo Silva on adapting to Real Madrid midfield role after 4-1 Rayo Vallecano win
Bernardo Silva broke down his new role as a central midfielder for Real Madrid following the 4-1 win over Rayo Vallecano. The Portuguese international had a strong first half alongside Fede Valverde, highlighted the importance of clean ball progression and said he is working to reach his best level. Real Madrid now turn their focus to another La Liga away match in just three days.

Bernardo Silva spoke on Saturday after Real Madrid's 4-1 win over Rayo Vallecano and focused on his adjustment to a central midfield role, an area of the pitch he rarely occupied during his previous spell at Manchester City. The Portugal international admitted he is still learning how his teammates play and working to deliver his highest level in a position with new demands.
- Bernardo Silva produced a strong first half in midfield alongside Fede Valverde.
- He explained that Mourinho asks him to support the build-up and add fluidity to the play.
- The Portuguese said he is trying to adapt to central midfield and recover his best version.
- He highlighted the dribbling ability of Vini, Jude and Mbappé and the need to supply them well.
- The dressing room celebrates the four goals against Rayo and is already focused on the next away match in three days.
A new role for Bernardo Silva in Real Madrid's engine room
The Portuguese delivered a convincing first half next to Fede Valverde and analyzed a central midfield position he barely played at Manchester City. His move to Real Madrid has changed his usual range of action, requiring him to take on responsibilities in the build-up rather than the wide or advanced role he developed for years in the Premier League.
Bernardo took the positional change in stride and detailed the coaching staff's instructions: help the team play out from the back, keep possession flowing and find passes into the attackers. The goal is simple: get Vinícius, Bellingham and Mbappé on the ball in space so they can exploit their one-on-one ability.
Mourinho mainly asks me to help a lot in the build-up, to give fluidity to the play so the ball arrives in the best conditions to the attacking players.
The link with Vini, Jude and Mbappé, key to Real Madrid's plan
The midfielder stressed that the attacking talent in the squad means every pass must be precise. With difference-makers like Vinícius, Bellingham and Mbappé, clean circulation from deep becomes a tactical priority. Bernardo is comfortable carrying that weight and understands his role as a facilitator for the final third.
His comments came after a convincing team performance, especially in the first half, when Real Madrid found space and punished Rayo Vallecano with authority. The mood in the dressing room is one of satisfaction with the overall display, not just the scoreline.
Adaptation, happiness and the Sevilla setback before the next test
Bernardo Silva described this stage as a new experience in which he is still discovering how his teammates play and the spaces from which he can contribute most. Even so, he said he feels happy with his situation and avoided making too much of the adjustment process.
He also looked back at the trip to Sevilla, a match in which the team performed well despite the defeat, and used it as a starting point to correct details. An away fixture in three days is coming up, one he described as very important in the push for three points.
Four goals against Rayo and the focus on the next match
The Madrid dressing room celebrated a big win that strengthens the positive feeling around the team. Bernardo Silva highlighted the four goals and singled out the first half, though his overall reading of the game was positive from start to finish. The schedule leaves no room to breathe, and the squad is already preparing for the next outing, aware that the margin for error in La Liga is minimal.
Four goals and a big win, very happy especially with the first half but in general with the whole match. Now we prepare for the next one, which is very close.
Frequently asked questions about Bernardo Silva at Real Madrid
Frequently asked questions
What position is Bernardo Silva playing at Real Madrid?
Bernardo Silva is playing as a central midfielder, a role he rarely filled at Manchester City. His main job is to support the build-up and keep the ball moving toward the attacking players.
What did Bernardo Silva say after Real Madrid's 4-1 win over Rayo Vallecano?
The Portuguese said he is trying to adapt to the central midfield role and recover his best version. He also praised the team's performance, particularly in the first half, and confirmed the focus is already on the next away match.
What does Mourinho ask from Bernardo Silva at Real Madrid?
According to Bernardo Silva, Mourinho asks him to be heavily involved in the build-up and to give the team fluidity in possession. The aim is to deliver the ball in good conditions to Vini, Jude and Mbappé so they can attack with an advantage.