Ruben Dias defends Manchester City amid crisis in interview

In England, Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has recently returned to the pitch following a lengthy absence due to a sports hernia. The Belgian international made a significant impact in his comeback match, scoring a goal and providing an assist in a convincing 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. Prior to this match, De Bruyne had been out of action for an extended period, during which speculations arose regarding potential conflicts with head coach Pep Guardiola. However, De Bruyne clarified that there were no issues between him and Guardiola, emphasizing that the injury was purely physical and had been a challenging experience. Despite the team’s struggles over the past weeks, including a seven-match winless run, the return of De Bruyne is seen as a crucial development for the reigning Premier League champions. Pep Guardiola has expressed satisfaction with De Bruyne's performance, noting the player’s significant contribution during the match against Nottingham Forest. Meanwhile, Manchester City captain Ruben Dias defended the team amid criticism following their 2-0 defeat to Liverpool, insisting that they are not a 'finished force' in football. Dias's comments came during a contentious post-match interview where he urged fans and media to recognize the team's past successes and their potential to recover from tough situations. He asked for patience and commitment from both players and supporters alike, highlighting that the legacy of the team is built on resilience and the ability to handle difficult moments. As City prepares for upcoming matches, the coaching staff, alongside crucial players like Dias and De Bruyne, are focused on regaining form and competing at high levels. Both players underscored the importance of a strong mentality as they seek to turn their current season around and aim for eventual success in both domestic and European competitions. The squad's ability to navigate adversity will be tested in the coming weeks as they face various opponents, including a critical rematch against Liverpool, where they will look to assert their place in the elite tier of football once again.