Manchester City can still save a “difficult” season
Manchester City defender Reuben Diaz is optimistic about his team’s silverware despite facing what he describes as the “difficult” season .
Pep Guardiola’s team will win champion Real Madrid in Game 1 of the Champions League playoffs on Tuesday.
This is a setback that Citi wants to overcome against his current holders after finishing 22nd in the group stage.
Winning two legs will secure the spot at the last 16 years old, where you will face either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen.
However, the city has also faced difficulties in its domestic campaign, and is now fifth in the Premier League, taking over Liverpool 15 points.
“This was the most difficult season because I was here, but I firmly believe that even in the most difficult moments you can still achieve beautiful things,” Dias said.
“I didn’t spend a second thinking about whether it was rude or not.”
Reuben Diaz only focused on Rodri when he acquired Baron de or 💪#bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/ouyvtmgc5t
– BBC Sports (@bbcsport) February 10, 2025
“I know how difficult it is to get through, but there are a lot of guns in the dressing room. You need to use them the right way.”
This is the fourth consecutive season and the fifth time in six years when City and Madrid collided in the Champions League knockout round.
The Spanish Giants won the 15th European title under Carlo Ancelotti after winning a penalty victory in the quarterfinals last season.
With both teams winning two encounters each at previous meetings, Guardiola describes their rivalry as one of the most important things in the modern era of the Champions League.
This upcoming match will also be the aftermath of the controversy as Rodri was awarded the title of best player in the world over Vinicius Jr., followed by a Madrid player boycotting the Baron de Al Ceremony in protest.
The city reportedly viewed Madrid’s absence as a sign of rudeness, but Diaz, who was in Paris with Rodri, downplayed the impact of the incident.
“Be honest with you, I didn’t think about it for a second,” the Portuguese defender added.
“I was happy with Rodri. Vinicius had an extraordinary year and deserved it. It’s like the past (Lionel) Messi and Cristiano (Ronaldo) fought for it. ”