Man City new boy Ruben Dias yet to feel full benefit of Pep Guardiola’s coaching
Dias joined from Benfica on 29 September
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ruben Dias has admitted the frantic schedule this season has given him little time to get the full benefit of Pep Guardiola's coaching but feels he is settling in well at Manchester City.
Dias joined from Benfica on 29 September and made his debut away to Leeds a few days later before the international break took him back to Portugal.
The 23-year-old impressed during his second City appearance against Arsenal at the weekend and is certain to start Wednesday night's Champions League match against Porto.
It has been a busy start to life in Manchester but one Dias is enjoying.
"Obviously I've not been here for a long time but every day is a new opportunity," Dias said. "We haven't had much time to train, it's more playing, rest, training and playing again but of course you can start feeling the influence of the manager and the influence of the players and it's been good.
"I'm really happy to be here and to have the opportunity to play in (the Champions League). It was obviously one of the reasons I came here. Because of the way the club plays to win, especially in this competition, I'm looking forward to it."
City were frustrated to be knocked out by Lyon at the quarter-final stage of last season's competition in August, but are once again among the favourites to lift the European Cup this time around.
"Manchester City are in a big group of top teams that can win," Dias said. "Some are close, some are a little bit further away but every year starts from zero.
"It is a new year and there are new players getting into the team. We will make a re-set with all the things that have been done until now and we will try to just keep getting better and better."
The Lyon defeat still rankles with City, and Pep Guardiola admitted on Tuesday he "still feels responsible" for the disappointment it caused.
The frustration could now become fuel as they launch a fresh assault on the competition most desired by the club's hierarchy.
"It's incredible to be in this competition," Guardiola said. "This is just the first game, then there will be the second and we will see how far and how big we can think."
And Guardiola emphasised the importance of making a winning start at the Etihad.
"Every game is important because every game is three points, but you cannot deny when you play the first game away it's not the same as if the first game is at home," he said.
"It's vital for us to get three points."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments