Manchester City defender Ruben Dias has stated that the team is completely focused and confident in their abilities as they prepare to face Arsenal. The highly anticipated match between the two clubs is scheduled for this Sunday at the Emirates Stadium.
Dias has dismissed any concerns about potential "wind-up tactics" from Arsenal, emphasizing that City's primary focus is on their own performance and objectives. He conveyed that Manchester City is not preoccupied with any potential mind games from their opponents. Dias insists the team is solely focused on their own game. He said that if other people want to play games because of rivalries, or whatever feeds them, then go ahead and be what you want to be.
The two clubs have a history of intense encounters, with their matches often marked by fiery exchanges. During their previous meeting, a contentious 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium, City striker Erling Haaland was seen telling Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to "stay humble". Furthermore, in another match, teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly appeared to mock Haaland's signature meditation pose celebration after scoring.
Dias said that he doesn’t really care about them, and that he just cares about his team. He added that they believe in what they do and play games to win for themselves, their families, and their people. He believes that is the way to be, and that is how you pull off what they pulled off. Nothing is bigger in their minds than knowing they have to be the best version of themselves, and it doesn't matter who they are playing against.
Despite Arsenal's strong form and status as potential Premier League title favorites this season, Dias remains unfazed. He is confident that Manchester City possesses the necessary qualities to achieve their goals, regardless of the opposition.
Manchester City have bounced back from successive losses to Tottenham and Brighton with recent victories over Manchester United and Napoli. These wins have boosted the team's confidence heading into the crucial match against Arsenal. Josko Gvardiol revealed that Guardiola will devise two or three ways for the team to play, depending on how Arsenal set up.
However, City faces injury concerns as Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Jeremy Doku, Ruben Dias, and Nathan Ake will be unavailable for the Arsenal clash. Dias picked up an adductor injury during City's Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.