On the eve of the long -awaited shock between Manchester City and Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League, Ruben Dias appeared in front of the press with disconcerting serenity. While media attention focuses on the potential impact of Kylian Mbappé in this duel at the top, the Portuguese defender of City has chosen to minimize the importance of the French star.
“We have already seen worse”: Ruben Dias imperturbable in front of Mbappé
Asked about the threat represented by Kylian Mbappé, Ruben Dias has not shown the slightest sign of concern. “We have already played against him several times, and not only him. There were also Neymar and Messi at other times ”, he recalled. For the Portuguese, facing players of this caliber is part of the daily life in the Champions League: “At this level of competition, this is what we should expect. ”
This displayed confidence could surprise, especially since it is the first time that Manchester City has crossed Mbappé under the colors of Real Madrid. However, Dias refuses to be carried away by pressure or by media narratives.
Ruben Dias and City confident before facing Mbappé.
No haaland-mm duel according to dias
The press tried to present this meeting as a duel between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé, but Ruben Dias quickly dismissed this idea: “I don't feel an Erling atmosphere against Kylian for this match. It's City against Madrid, with many big names on both sides. ”
For Dias, the stake is collective and non -individual. He underlines the importance of the team unit to overcome the challenges, especially after a season which he describes as “The most difficult since (his) arrival”. But despite these difficulties, the defender remains convinced that City has the resources necessary to shine: “With the right mentality, we can do great things.”
A decisive match for Manchester City
Finally, Dias did not fail to recognize the difficulty of the Madrid opponent: “This is one of the most difficult matches that we could have, without a doubt.” But the defender insists: faced with players like Mbappé or Vinicius, it is the whole collective of Manchester City who will have to respond present, and not a simple confrontation of stars.
Ruben Dias and his teammates know that they will have to be at their best to hope to take the advantage before the return match in Madrid. It remains to be seen whether the confidence displayed by the Portuguese will be enough to contain a Mbappé well determined to torment the Sky Blues in their lair.
