Jack Grealish and Phil Foden react as Ruben Dias sends message to Man City fans
Jack Grealish and Phil Foden have reacted to Ruben Dias’ message to Man City fans via social media following the disappointing defeat to Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Dias and Foden were involved as Pep Guardiola‘s side were knocked out of the Champions League by the La Liga giants, losing 3-1 on 19 February, and 6-3 on aggregate.
The defeat has seen many of the players come under pressure, with Man City being told to sell Mateo Kovacic after being pictured with international teammate Luka Modric after the game.
Dias, however, has attempted to take positives from the situation and look forward.
| Ruben Dias v Real Madrid (as per FotMob) | Stats |
| Passing accuracy | 86% (63/73) |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Tackles won | 100% (1/1) |
| Aerial duels won | 100% (1/1) |
| Defensive actions | 10 |
Ruben Dias ready to learn from Real Madrid disappointment
Taking to Instagram [20 February], the centre-back wrote: “Head high, learn, progress and always fight for the badge,” to which Foden and Grealish both liked the post.
The majority of the comments have been messages of support for the player, who was caught out for Kylian Mbappe‘s opening goal at the Bernabeu.
Pep Guardiola already has new Man City captain
Football Insider verdict
Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan look ready to pass on the torch to the next generation of Man City footballers, and Kyle Walker has now moved away on loan to AC Milan.
It has been an awful season for the Citizens, by Guardiola’s standards at least, but the players are trying to maintain a positive mentality, which could be important in the race for the top four spots.
At just 27 years of age, and already 202 appearances since 2020, Dias has the potential to be a leading voice in Guardiola’s dressing room for the foreseeable future.
Erling Haaland has been tipped to stay at Man City for as long as Guardiola does, but with his new deal running until 2034, he could be another loud voice at the Etihad for the next decade.
With the Premier League top four spots to battle for, and the FA Cup title up for grabs, the current campaign can still end on a high note, but there are likely more difficulties ahead.