Dias says Manchester City’s new signings are desperate to win

Manchester City’s new signings have arrived with the ambition to win, according to captain Ruben Dias, as the club adjusts to a new manager and a reshaped squad.

Dias told BBC Sport’s Football Interview that the new arrivals were “desperate to win” and said their ambition, combined with that of the players who remained, was helping the club move forward.

Enzo Maresca replaced Pep Guardiola after the former manager’s 10-year spell in charge. Dias described Guardiola’s departure as a difficult moment for City but called Maresca the “perfect person for the job”, citing his familiarity with the club after previously working as Guardiola’s assistant.

Dias said Maresca had introduced changes to training, pressing and defensive detail. He said the players understood the manager’s ideas, were excited by them and that there was “a lot of joy” in training.

City have reportedly won their opening four Premier League and Champions League matches and are due to face Manchester United on Sunday. The club spent a reported Premier League-record £458 million during the transfer window and recouped more than £300m through sales.

Dias, who joined City from Benfica in 2020, has made more than 250 appearances and won four Premier League titles, the Champions League and two FA Cups. He is one of four players remaining from the club’s 2023 treble-winning squad and has a contract running to 2029, with an option for a further year.