‘We will fight for EVERYTHING’: Ruben Dias calls up his Manchester City side for Tuesday’s quarter-final with Bayern Munich – and insists his side are on the verge of finally winning the Champions League
- Manchester City will receive Bayern Munich in the first leg of the quarter-final on Tuesday
- Dias was in the team that lost to Chelsea in the 2021 Champions League final
- The defender believes a broken heart in the final only brought City closer to victory
Ruben Dias sent an exciting message to his Manchester City teammates as they try to end the wait for a Champions League trophy.
City host Bayern Munich in the first leg of Tuesday’s quarter-final after eight straight wins and with the Premier League title race now in their hands.
Dias – who played in last season’s final defeat to Chelsea in 2021 and collapsed in the late semi-finals at Real Madrid last season – believes City are built to thrive on this podium.
“We all have a special feeling, a special taste when it comes to this stage,” said the defender. “Now is the time to be together and produce and get on the field and do what we do best – each of us.
“I think our team is fed by these moments and that’s a really good quality to have. One thing is certain: when we get to this stage, we will be ready. I can guarantee that we are here and will fight for everything.’
Ruben Dias has called on Man City players to come together to win the Champions League
Dias played all of the 2021 Champions League final, which City lost 1-0 to Chelsea
The 25-year-old believes previous disappointments have only made City stronger as a team
Dias added: “A very wise man said to me that we didn’t lose the final, we just got one step closer. If there was a moment when I stood still, because it’s never easy to lose a final, if there was a moment of doubt, I listened to these words and it made more sense. They echoed in my mind.’
Pep Guardiola takes on Thomas Tuchel, who beat him two years ago when he was Chelsea boss. Guardiola said he was “sad” as he analyzed that game, although he again blasted critics who think he thinks too much about Europe.
“I’m thinking too much because I’m losing,” said the City manager. “I’m a genius when I win, but maybe the decision was wrong. I made the decision at the time because I thought it was good to know the players.
“I like being where we are in the league, the FA Cup and being here again. That is my dream. We want to try as we try all the time.
How many Masters has Jack Nicklaus won in his career in 30-40 years as a golfer? Eighteen wins out of 130. He loses more than he wins. Michael Jordan won 6 NBA titles in 16 years in basketball. He loses more than he gains.’
Guardiola – who previously had a strong relationship with Tuchel – suggested surprise that Julian Nagelsmann had been sacked, but spoke of his successor’s credentials.
‘Thomas is so creative, good structure, connections, really good in the spaces. He went to Paris and did really well, not only did he win the French league or reach the Champions League final, but the way they played was really good and he did well at Chelsea.
“We want to try, it’s an honor to be here against an elite club. We can’t take anything for granted, you have to play well over the two games.’