Bernardo was promoted to captain for the first time this season.
“Well, I try to be the same, the same person throughout my career,” he told City's website. “Even when I was young, I always tried to be an example, the way I trained as well as my behaviour every day.
“But of course, now, with all the experience, the time I’ve spent with Pep – it’s my job, not only to have and to maintain a good state of mind in the dressing room as well as good competition between us, but at the same time to help the youngsters.
“It’s about helping the youngsters adapt as quickly as possible. That’s the most important thing about this club, it’s the responsibility and it’s the level.
“You have to fight for the big things. And now it’s my job to get that message across to the young players.”
On his relationship with manager Pep Guardiola, Bernardo also said: “Well, it’s a mix of a very, very professional relationship that we’ve had for eight and a half years and there’s also a personal relationship.
“We’ve won a lot; we’ve spent a lot of time together. He’s a coach who’s given me a lot. I’ve learned a lot from him and I’m learning every day.
“And I have very good memories with him. He’s changed a lot and he’s a coach who tries not to stay in the same zone, not to play in the same way.
“Every year, he likes to change because he knows that if he doesn’t change, the other teams will adapt to us.
“Of course, it’s difficult to find a good solution that’s different every year, but that’s what he tries to do and that’s why he’s a different coach.
“Winning six in the Premier League is not normal. There’s a lot of competition. A lot of players have left, a lot of young players are here, and we have this type of player – they need time."