“The pressure will make you run faster, jump higher” – Manchester City star makes confident claim ahead of Champions League final
Manchester City defender Ruben Dias isn't feeling the pressure ahead of his side's Champions League final clash with Inter Milan on Saturday (June 10).
Dias will look to help the Cityzens end their long wait for European glory at the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul. Pep Guardiola's side head into the final as favourites after sealing the Premier League and FA Cup.
Manchester City are under a ton of pressure to seal the treble. Dias, though, insists that his side thrives off pressure. The Portuguese defender said (via The Independent):
"We love the pressure; we love it. The pressure will make you run faster, jump higher, be more focused."
Dias continued by explaining how he and his City teammates need to enjoy the moment, with European glory at stake:
“That’s what these kind of games need, and we need to embrace it. We enjoy the moment, and we know what it means to our club, the fans, our families, and we never forget to enjoy it.”
The 26-year-old has been key for Guardiola's side this season, featuring 42 times across competitions. He has helped the treble-chasing Cityzens keep 20 clean sheets.
Dias has won three Premier League titles, one FA Cup and one League Cup since arriving at the Etihad in 2020. However, the Champions League has eluded the Portuguese and Manchester City.
Guardiola's troops will be up against an in-form Inter side who recently won the Coppa Italia. They beat Fiorentina 2-1 to seal the cup and beat their cross-city rivals AC Milan 3-0 on aggregate in the Champions League semifinals.
Manchester City's Erling Haaland says he joined club to win Champions League
Erling Haaland arrived at Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund last summer for a mere £54 million. Many argued at the time that the fee was a bargain, and it has turned out to be more than that, considering his incredible start to life at the Etihad.
The Norweigan frontman has bagged 52 goals in as many appearances across competitions. That includes 12 goals in ten Champions League games, and he's the competition's top scorer this season.
Haaland touched on his move to Manchester City last summer by saying that he has joined the Cityzens to help them triumph in Europe, telling The Guardian:
“City won the Premier League two times in a row, for example, before I came here – they know how to win the Premier League. The only thing they miss is the Champions League, so you can think and read between the words and the lines. I am coming here for a reason."
The 22-year-old is quickly becoming a City hero following his amazing goalscoring feats this campaign. He's close to helping Guardiola's side become only the second team in English football to win the continental treble.