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Manchester City defender Ruben Dias opens up on the team’s positive start, adapting to new tactics, and maintaining high standards ahead of the Manchester Derby.
Ruben Dias (Reuters Photo)
The spotlight falls on Old Trafford today as Manchester City prepare to face Manchester United in another highly anticipated Manchester Derby, with one of English football’s fiercest rivalries set to take centre stage.
Ahead of the clash, Manchester City defender Ruben Dias opens up on the club’s positive start to the season, adapting to new tactical ideas and the importance of maintaining the standards that have shaped the team’s success.
“The start to the new season has been very positive,” Dias said in a video on JioStar. “A lot of things have changed, but in the end, not that much. There’s a new energy around the place, and it feels good. Enzo has his specific ideas about how he sees the game, both offensively and defensively. But overall, it’s still very much the game we were used to playing. We still dominate possession, which is our main characteristic. In that sense, there’s a bit of continuity even though things are different. The main thing is that everyone is buying into the new ideas. We’re working hard on the training pitch to understand the details. The early results this season have been encouraging, and the confidence is building. It’s about staying consistent and continuing to improve game by game.”
Dias also addressed the significant turnover in City’s squad during the summer, saying the club’s standards remain unchanged despite the arrivals and departures.
“There are always new faces coming in and others moving on and this summer transfer window saw more departures than usual, but it’s a cycle. Every new person who arrives comes here for the same reason we all did in the first place. That is to win and to reach the top. What matters is how quickly everyone settles in and understands what is expected. The standards here don’t change, no matter who is in the building. We have a strong group, and the new players have adapted well. The goal remains the same, and we are all pulling in the same direction.”
Reflecting on his experience at City, Dias highlighted the importance of consistency and learning from those who helped establish the club’s winning culture.
“Time goes quick, and you have got to enjoy it while it lasts because the time that I have spent at Man City is the best thing in the world. It’s mostly just the experience of having gone through so much and won so much with all the ones that were here before with the club, knowing so well what it takes to win and the consistency you need to have every day.”
Looking ahead to United, Dias acknowledged the challenge awaiting City.
“It’s a difficult game. It’s the Premier League, and you know what that means. We’re confident going into it, and we can’t wait to play. It’s high level, and that’s the beauty of this league. You cannot expect an easy game. We respect every opponent and prepare the same way for all of them. We know what Manchester United are capable of, and we will be ready for the challenge.”
Catch ‘The Manchester Derby’ between Manchester United and Manchester City in the Premier League today, 9 PM onwards, LIVE on JioHotstar and Star Sports.
Quick Answers
Ask News18The Manchester derby features Michael Carrick as the manager of Manchester United and Enzo Maresca leading Manchester City. Carrick is United’s seventh permanent manager since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, while Maresca took over at City following the departure of Pep Guardiola.
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September 13, 2026, 15:48 IST
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