Ruben Dias Talks Man City's New Era And Life After Pep

BBC Football

Rúben Dias sits down with Kelly Somers to discuss Manchester City's new era, working under Enzo Maresca, and the challenge of helping lead a new-look squad following the departure of several key figures. Follow more on the BBC Sport app, iPlayer and Sounds. ============= Find us here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BBCMOTD X: https://x.com/BBCMOTD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcfootball/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bbcsport bbcfootball 0:00 Introduction to Ruben Dias 0:38 Life under Enzo Maresca 1:58 Leadership and team changes 3:08 Reflecting on Pep's success 4:24 The historic treble win 6:27 Early career and upbringing 8:38 Family values and mentality 10:32 Relaxing and personal life 12:27 Future ambitions and legacy

Transcript

I can't tell you too much. >> No, you don't have to give me all of your tactics. >> like everything is making a lot of sense. Everyone's buying into the idea. Everyone's excited about it. The highest mountain was definitely the treble season. That was the the pinnacle. My parents and my brother, they came here for my birthday. I took them to the restaurant. The restaurant was empty. We still had a great time though. >> [laughter] >> Okay, well maybe if you don't want a big party, you'd love a trophy to celebrate your birthday. >> Yeah, [music] for sure. For sure. >> He's a Portuguese international [music] who has won everything here at Manchester City. He signed a new contract at the club last summer, meaning he is a focal point of a new look side under Enzo Maresca. Welcome to the football interview, Ruben Dias. Should we start with what's life like under Enzo Maresca? >> It's good as it is exciting. Many different details that in a way make the whole situation different, but at the same time still very much of things that we used to believe in in order to put our game into place and to attack a team and to be ourselves. But obviously these details make it very different and obviously we buying into them a lot. They make sense and we just perfecting them as much as we can every day that goes by. >> Tell me about these details. What does he do differently? >> I can't tell you too much. >> No, you don't have to give me all of your tactics, but maybe he approaches training sessions differently, maybe talks to you differently. >> Yeah, I mean there's there's obviously many things from training session to some details about the way we press, details about the way we defend and that make all of these his and makes it Enzo's idea. I feel like everything is making a lot of sense. Everyone's buying into the idea. Everyone's excited about it. I mean there's a lot of joy in training which is >> Important thing, isn't it? Important, yeah. >> As we walked across here, I joked with you that you've lost all of your friends because it has it hasn't just been Pep Guardiola that's left, has it? You we spoke to Bernardo Silva last season. He said you were his best mate here. He's gone. So many players have gone. What's that been like for you? >> It's sad in a way cuz obviously we was more than colleagues, we were most of us we were very very good friends and close friends. And we won so much together, so there's many memories involved. But at the end of the day, it's the life and it's football, so we need to adapt, we need to move forward, we need to create new connections. When I come here, I didn't know any of them. And now it's a moment where so many new players have have joined and it's time to build these connections and be strong again. >> And you're one of the leaders as well in this squad. How has it changed your role, the fact that you're one of the last ones standing, I suppose, one of the players that won so much here? >> I've been in the group of captains since after my first season. >> But you've lost most of them now. You're one of the only ones left, aren't you? >> Yeah, but in terms of the role I I have, it goes down to trying to be the best version of yourself. And in terms of that, nothing has changed. Now, obviously, so many people have left and so many winners have left and now new people have joined with a lot of ambition and people that want to are dying, desperate to win. And that's also what makes the club keep on going. >> Has it almost rejuvenated you, re-excited you about the possibility of being part of this rebuild? >> Yeah, I mean, everything ends up exciting you. And last season, when I signed my new contract, I signed it because I was already excited about staying here and looking forward to however many years I'll stay and you got to enjoy every single second of it and every training session. The joy of being here, the joy of being available and being in this context where you can win everything and you've got a club to match your ambition. It's an opportunity few people have in their lives and I'm I'm here for it. >> Let's go inside and talk a little bit more about that joy and some of the moments that have come. >> Let's go. >> So, has this summer of change give you an opportunity to reflect on everything that you and the squad achieved under Pep Guardiola. >> Yeah, I mean, for sure, but then you just move forward. >> I knew you were going to say that. I can tell from your mentality, you always want to look forward. >> like uh maybe I'll do more of that when I finish my career, a little bit. But then as well, there's going to be other things that will keep my mind working. But now, it's obviously being appreciative of everything that happened, smile while looking at it, because it was beautiful. But then, look forward and be excited for what's coming. >> There were so many high points under Pep. As I came here and I was thinking about what to ask you, I was like, how do you ask someone that's won everything what the highlight has been? Is there a moment that really stands out to you that's been particularly special here at >> I mean, the highest mountain was definitely uh the treble season. After the Champions League, after winning the Premier League, then you win the FA Cup, it builds up. You would think, if we win the Premier League, just it's already unbelievable if we just win a Champions League, it's unbelievable, but then to win the three of them. And then to be on that final game, knowing that all of that is at stake, and uh when when you do it, it was probably the most emotional I felt in my in my life, yeah. >> Really? Just because of the magnitude of it and the fact [snorts] >> Not even emotional or as as in about crying, just the amount of feelings that were going through my mind and the realization of everything that happened. And bear in mind, this was my third Premier League uh in a row, and uh my first season when I came, the all the talk and all the the things that go through a player's mind in his first season, and I had the joy to win a Premier League in my first. But then as well, after to win four Premier Leagues in a row, which I felt like it was a great achievement. I mean, there's many moments, but definitely uh I would say the treble, that was the the pinnacle. >> Do you I we've perhaps seen since just what an incredible achievement it really is because there was talk last season of could Arsenal do it, but no one's actually really come that close. Do you think now we all appreciate just how big an achievement it was? >> Yeah, I mean, history told you so. Only one team had done it before before us. So, that just tells you how difficult it actually is to pull off. To be able to be successful in all of them at the same time in this country in this league. But, again, it's in the past. It's beautiful. >> [laughter] >> And in its time, I believe I'll look back at it and be very happy with it. But now, I'm just very much in the moment and just enjoying every every second of what's coming. >> I can tell you you just want to look forward, but I am interested in your backstory as well because we talk a lot about one club players. They're so rare. But two club players are pretty rare as well. And that's pretty much what you are, isn't it? Benfica and Manchester City. >> Yeah, I mean, I grew up in Benfica and I had three amazing years in the first team and it was amazing to have the opportunity. And then you reach a certain level at Benfica where you want to reach the sky and I came here for it. And this club has allowed all those ambitions and dreams to be possible to become a reality. So, I will obviously forever be grateful to both of them. And and yeah, I mean, they shaped without a doubt who I am. >> You mentioned there you were at Benfica through all of the age groups. How did you start in football? Though, what kind of were your earliest memories of it? >> My parents my my dad he never really wanted me or my brother to play football because he was a football kind of person. He even It was in it and he had a lot He knew a lot of a lot of people that were in the world and he always saw it very rotten. So, he just as much as he I mean, he didn't push us away, but he didn't push pull us into it. So, [snorts] we were doing all sorts from karate, we were swimming a lot, and just trying different stuff. And uh >> Were you any good at anything else? Or was it always >> Yeah, I mean I I I feel like I'm good at different things, but I was obviously better at football. But then, even once I'm in school, a friend of mine asked me to join this club, uh C.F. Estrela da Amadora, which was my first club um from where I was born. And uh they were recruiting players at that time. And I was just playing in school, and because I was good in school, the guy told me, "Hey, do you want to come do a trial?" And then I asked my dad, and then he was like, "Are you guys sure? Like, if you going in, like, go full in. I'll support you, whatever. Uh but be sure of the decision you're making." And I was just me and my brother, we were just completely diving into it. So, so yeah, 8 years old, uh we started. And then, yeah. I was 2 years at uh C.F. Estrela da Amadora, and then I went to Benfica. >> What did your dad think of it? Oh, no. He must be quite pleased that you almost went against him to come into this world. >> Not really against him. He was always happy that we was adamant of pursuing what we wanted to pursue. And when football became something we both really wanted, he just supported it full on. And I have a lot to thank him and my mom because they they were the most supportive parents without being obsessed. They were not obsessed by the idea of me and my brother becoming a footballer, and as such then having a certain life. Uh they were just obsessed and supportive of us enjoying life and doing things that we liked and being happy. Um that's why my dad never really pushed us into football cuz he was just like, "Guys, just be happy. Be free spirits, and just enjoy life." >> thing, isn't it? >> And uh but then, obviously, when we uh got a bit more serious about it, then um he also made us learn uh what it means to sacrifice in order to pursue a dream and obviously to uh be connected and to have responsibility towards something. And obviously that was gradual, but it was a process that happened and obviously happened happened in a very successful way because I believe both me and my brother more than good at anything that we might do, we're both very good-hearted people and we good values that were most definitely instructed by my mom and dad. So, I feel like at the end of the day that's the biggest victory. And even now I got 2 days off, I managed to go to my dad's small town where he's from and I could see how happy he was for both of us being there in this moment of our lives where we could just maybe not really be interested about it, but we was there. All the 50 members of the family were there and it was just beautiful, yeah. >> Are you quite a deep thinker? >> Yeah, I would say I am, yeah. >> I can tell from all of your answers. Like everything's so in-depth, it feels like do you feel this deeply and think this deeply about football and the rest of life? Do you think about everything a lot? >> Yeah, I mean I feel like I'm a good intense person towards life, towards my personal life, towards work. I mean I'm intense on the pitch. I feel like it's very easy to see. But it's because I do the things I believe in and and I do them with with all my heart. I put everything on it and and yeah, I feel like that's the way life is worth living, yeah. >> So, if you're going to do something, you're going all in. >> Yeah. But I also know when to relax and when to not give too much import importance to something that doesn't deserve it. >> How do you relax? How do you unwind? Because you said you're intense on the pitch, but you also know the importance of enjoying life. How how do you get away from it all? >> I mean I'm quite easy. I love to be home. I love to watch movies, love my shows. I love to be surrounded by my family. I spend a lot of time alone in Manchester and I love to just get out of training, get home, and just peace and quiet. >> [laughter] >> I mean, I'm I'm very happy with the most simple things, as long as I'm at peace and peace with myself, I'm I'm cool. Knowing that I'm doing the best possible I can in every angle of my life, I'm I'm cool. I love when my family's around though. I love when >> Are your family over here, or do you not get to see them? >> not here now. >> That must be tough. >> It's cool, cuz I also enjoy my own company, and I feel like that's a very important step for one to to have. I'll go to dinner by myself, I'll go to the movies by myself, and I enjoy it. I'm cool. >> It's nice not to have to answer to anyone sometimes. You just do what you enjoy. >> with when you're with family, I feel like one of the biggest joys of being with family is that you know you can be in the same room without saying anything, and you will enjoy it so much, just because you're in that level of comfort. So, yeah. >> It feels like I mean, you're going to hit 30 next year, aren't you? >> Yeah. >> There's nothing wrong with that, by the way. I'm in my 30s, it's great. But, it feels like you're very at peace. You've achieved so much, but you've still got so much left that you want to do. >> Yeah, I feel like at peace, yes, that translate my translates a lot my moment, but I'm excited about all of this and all the the things with the club, the new manager, new players, the new challenge, guys that I was so close with leaving. It's the law of life, the cycle of life, we you can call it, and it's just how things are, and I'm appreciative of all of it. I'm appreciative of the memories I have with all the ones that left, and I'm excited with the memory about the memories I'm going to make with the ones that have just arrived, and I'm still very ambitious. I I took the decision the decision of being at this level because I feel like I've won so much, but maybe the thing that would be my biggest reward would be to be here so many years playing at this level, and and having the consistency of being ambitious for so long. Uh so, yeah, I'm excited. Think excited is the word. >> I checked, and your birthday's in May. That could be some party, couldn't it? When all the trophies happen. That's where City normally are, and you'll be 30 as well. Perfect way to celebrate. >> I mean, I'm not too funny about my birthday. Um no, I don't like being the center of attention, so I'm very casual. >> Well, I've told everyone about it now. Sorry about that. >> Yeah, I mean, anyway, it doesn't really matter cuz I'm not too funny about it. Uh I'll be happy with the dinner with my family. We went this last birthday I my parents and my brother, they came here for my birthday. I took them to the restaurant. The restaurant was empty. We still had a great time, though. >> [laughter] >> Okay, well, maybe if you don't want a big party, you'd love a trophy to celebrate your birthday. >> Yeah, for sure. For sure. >> Well, good luck with it, and enjoy whatever celebrations you have. >> Thank you.