By Isaac Mission
Manchester City captain Ruben Dias believes the club’s summer arrivals have brought a strong desire to win as the team adapts to life under new manager Enzo Maresca.
City underwent significant changes during the summer, spending a reported Premier League-record £458 million on new players. Among the arrivals were midfielders Enzo Fernandez, Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The club also raised more than £300 million through player sales, while several experienced figures, including former captain Bernardo Silva, John Stones and 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, departed.
Dias, who joined City from Benfica in 2020 and has now been handed the captaincy by Maresca, believes the mixture of established players and ambitious newcomers can help maintain the club’s winning mentality.
The Portuguese defender said the new players have arrived with a determination to succeed, while those who remain at the Etihad are equally motivated to continue competing for major honours.
Dias Backs Maresca's Approach
Maresca took over from Pep Guardiola at the end of last season after the Spaniard's decade-long spell in charge.
Although Dias admitted Guardiola's departure was a difficult moment for City, he believes Maresca is well suited to the role because of his previous experience at the club as one of Guardiola's assistants.
The City captain also highlighted differences in training and tactical details under the Italian, particularly in the team's pressing and defensive organisation.
According to Dias, the squad has responded positively to the new ideas, with the players showing enthusiasm and enjoying their work on the training ground.
Perfect Start Ahead of Manchester Derby
City have made an impressive start to the new campaign, winning each of their first four matches across the Premier League and Champions League.
Their next challenge will be a highly anticipated Manchester derby against United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Dias believes the transition at the club has created excitement rather than uncertainty, despite the number of changes to both the playing squad and coaching staff.
At 29, the defender is now among City's longest-serving players and has made more than 250 appearances for the club.
He has helped City win four Premier League titles, the Champions League and two FA Cups, and is one of just four players remaining from the club's 2023 treble-winning squad, alongside Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Rico Lewis.
Dias extended his City contract last summer until 2029, with an option for another year.
The defender said he remains highly motivated despite already collecting several major trophies, adding that maintaining a high level of ambition and consistency over many years would represent one of his greatest achievements.
For Dias, the arrival of a new manager and a new generation of players represents another opportunity to create more memorable moments at Manchester City.
