Premier League
Dias Stands Defiant Amid Manchester City Criticism After Recent Poor Form
Questions have arisen about Manchester City’s title defense after they fell five points behind leaders Liverpool over the weekend.
However, center-back Ruben Dias has cautioned critics against underestimating City’s chances.
City slumped to a fourth consecutive loss in all competitions with a 2-1 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday, marking the first time Pep Guardiola lost four games in a row in his managerial career.
City, in pursuit of an unprecedented fifth consecutive Premier League title, were also eliminated from the League Cup by Tottenham Hotspur.
“I would say, please doubt us, doubt us, feel welcome to do so,” Dias told British media on Monday.
“When we did the treble, we even called it the dark January. We had a tough period. But it is what it is.
“What matters is how you bounce back from these moments. That’s why our team has won so much because in moments of difficulty, the characters come up and we stay together.
“We don’t find people to kill, we find people to bring into the cause and fight together. That’s what we need to do once again. Until it’s done, it’s not done.”
City’s campaign has been impacted by a series of injuries, with Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, John Stones, Jack Grealish, and Oscar Bobb among those sidelined for extended periods.
They host Spurs in the league on November 23 in their first game back after the international break.