Man City new boy Dias discusses his adaptation and establishing himself as a ‘leader’ | OneFootball

Icon: The Football Faithful

The Football Faithful

·20 October 2020

Man City new boy Dias discusses his adaptation and establishing himself as a ‘leader’

Article image:Man City new boy Dias discusses his adaptation and establishing himself as a ‘leader’

Manchester City new boy Ruben Dias has discussed his adaptation to English football and establishing himself as a ‘leader’ at the Etihad.

Dias became the club’s record signing after completing a £62m move from Benfica last month, enjoying a promising start to life in the Premier League with assured displays against both Leeds and Arsenal.


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The Portugal international has been tasked with solving the defensive issues which plagued Pep Guardiola’s side last season and admits he is relishing the opportunity, discussing his ambition to work hard as he bids to improve his game.

“I’ve not been here for long but every day is a new opportunity. Every game, especially,” he said at the pre-match press conference.

“We haven’t had much time to train, it is more play, train, rest. Of course, you can start feeling the influence of the manager, the influence of the players. It’s been good.

“The one thing I would say is that my mentality is to be as complete as I can be in every way of the game. I’ve been doing my best since now and I will keep doing it. Obviously, it is a big part of the deal to have good people surrounding you and to learn the right way. I’m just happy to be here and keep improving.”

Dias has previously captained his country at youth level as well as leading Benfica, with many predicting the 23-year-old can fill the void left by Vincent Kompany and establishing himself as the leader of the Man City defence.

The summer signing says his teammates have already accepted him into the squad but is not adding any pressure on himself to exert additional influence, insisting each player must take responsibility for themselves as the club bid to win further silverware this season.

“The team received me very well,” he added. “I’ve always considered that in a team every single player needs to be a leader of himself. There is always a leader of the team and the group but first of all you need to lead yourself. I have worked my entire life based on being a leader of myself, be disciplined with myself and work to where I want to be.

“Everything else comes naturally with my personality. I will just keep doing things the way I am and keep working the way I have always been working and the rest will come naturally.”

Asked about becoming a potential captain, he said: “I work day to day very hard, as I’ve always done. Everything will happen naturally.”

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