The Brazilian full-back is no stranger to his current surroundings in Austria, and he revealed that he plied his trade for this weekend’s opposition back in 2016.
He said, "I used to play for Red Bull Brazil and then I came to Red Bull Salzburg. For the first months I couldn't be registered for Salzburg, so they registered me for Liefering.
“I even played a game for them, an official game in the second division, so I know Liefering, they are a very good team. Salzburg have a very specific way to play football, always pressing.
"They have a really good scout system, they can really find players from all around the globe, so they are really difficult opponents.
"I know many people haven't heard about Liefering, but most of the players that have played for Salzburg have already played for Liefering, so I am sure they have some really good, young talent.”
😀 All smiles!#AlbionInAustria 🇦🇹#BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/3N8ohSFGyI
— Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽️ (@OfficialBHAFC) July 9, 2019
Graham Potter’s side have kickstarted preparations for the 2019/20 campaign with a training camp in Austria, and Bernardo reflected on his familiar surroundings as pre-season continues.
"I lived here for seven or eight months when I played for Salzburg. My girlfriend is Austrian as well and her parents also live in Austria,” he continued.
"Almost every pre-season I have done until now has been in Austria, so it is very familiar territory.
“For me it was a very important step in my career to come to this country, I think it was a step that definitely changed my career.
"Salzburg gave me the possibility to play for qualification to the Champions League and to be champions and then to move to Leipzig and play on a very high level, so I am very grateful I had the chance to play here.
"After seven months I went to the Bundesliga, but I am really grateful and it was a really nice time in my life and my career.”