Manchester City got their Champions League campaign up and running tonight by beating Hoffenheim 2-1 in Germany.
The reigning Premier League Champions were made to work hard for their victory however, after they fell behind to a Ishak Belfodil goal after just 43 seconds.
Sergio Aguero pulled one back from close range just five minutes later, although City looked far from the devastating attacking unit we see week in, week out, in the English top flight throughout tonights game.
However, the mercurial David Silva popped up to seal a crucial win for City after a defensive mistake from Hoffenheim in the 87th minute, leading his manager Guardiola to claim the 32-year-old former Spain international is one of the best players he has ever coached.
“He is one of the best players I have trained in my life,” said Guardiola.
“I am a lucky guy to have many of them who are top players at Barcelona and Bayern Munich and he is in that list.
“In terms of mentality, I love the players who in the bad moments step forward and say ‘I am here guys’ and he is one of them.
“I am so happy for him. He deserves all of my respect.”