“In the right place” – Manchester City star sends rivals Premier League title warning

Ruben Dias has issued a warning to Manchester City’s rivals, as the defender bids to become a four-time Premier League winner.

The 26-year-old has outlined his ambition to try and repeat last season’s achievements, with the City centre-back looking to win a record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title.

Manchester City have the opportunity to move to within two points of league leaders Liverpool this weekend, with Guardiola’s side successfully recovering from a period of poor form in November and December.

The treble-winners travel to Newcastle in the Premier League, and remain in both the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League, with upcoming clashes against Tottenham and FC Copenhagen in the next stages of the two competitions.

Dias started the FIFA Club World Cup Final, UEFA Champions League Final and FA Cup Final for Manchester City in 2023, with Guardiola’s side having a formidable recent record in the second-half of the season.

The Portugal defender believes that the City squad have recently turned a corner, with the side having also been boosted by the return of midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.

Speaking to The National News, Dias said: “I think generally we are starting to feel ourselves again. After what we did last season, we had to come down to earth and realise the small things that allowed us to do what we did before.

“We are more and more back on track. The moment you relax, a drop-off comes out of nowhere. There are still a lot of flights to have and there is a lot of work to be done.

“February is when the real things start. Obviously, you have to have put yourself in position to be there to feel that pressure. But in the end that’s when the real decisions start to be made.

“If you get to February in a good position in the league and still in every competition, then the big games come up fast.

“I like that feeling of playing under that pressure. If you are going to win something then you are going to be in uncomfortable places and under pressure on occasions.

“Even if you have won a lot before, it doesn’t matter at all because those feelings won’t change.

“If those feelings have changed then you are not as ready to win as you should be. As much as you can, you should want the pressure because it means you are in the right place.”