Manchester City supporters have voiced their opinions on social media after comments from Ruben Dias, made ahead of the team’s crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield. The comments, shared in the official club magazine for December, have sparked a debate among Cityzens about the leadership structure at the club.
As City heads into this highly anticipated match, the team is struggling with a run of poor form, failing to win in their last six matches across all competitions, losing five and drawing one. In this challenging moment, Dias urged fans to “block out the noise” and to support both the players and the team as a collective to overcome the rough patch.
Ruben Dias’ Rallying Cry to Fans
Speaking in the December issue of the official Manchester City magazine, Dias sent a message of unity:
“My specific message to our fans is this: More than ever, block out the noise. Protect their house, protect their players. There will always be opinions in football, but always protect your house. Protect your own. We can go against the world, if we have to, we are…”
His words resonated with the fanbase, with many supporters taking to X (formerly Twitter) to express their thoughts. Some voiced their support for the defender’s leadership qualities, with many even calling for him to be handed the captain’s armband.
Fans React to Dias’ Comments: A Call for a New Captain
The debate about Manchester City’s captaincy has reignited, with several City fans suggesting that Ruben Dias should replace Kyle Walker as the team’s leader.
@MCFC_Sam320 (Nov 30, 2024): “Ruben Dias is the true captain of this club, Kyle Walker with the armband is just a fashion piece.”
@haalandoor (Nov 30, 2024): “Even scientists cannot find out the reason why Dias is not our captain.”
@tomhaaland (Nov 30, 2024): “He should be captain. It’s a joke that it’s Kyle Walker.”
@City_Xtra (Nov 30, 2024): “THIS is our captain, a true leader.”
Other fans echoed similar sentiments, stating that Dias speaks like a true leader, with some calling for the change to be made immediately.
Ruben Dias: A Key Player for City
Since his arrival from Benfica in the summer of 2020, Ruben Dias has been an essential figure in City’s defence. The £180k-a-week defender has made 192 appearances for the club, helping them secure multiple trophies, including the 2023 treble.
Despite the calls for a change in captaincy, Kyle Walker remains City’s current captain, though Dias is part of the leadership group, which includes players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan, and Bernardo Silva.
In recent months, Dias’ leadership has been further highlighted by his peers. Oscar Bobb named Dias the best trainer at City due to his unwavering focus and effort in training. Additionally, John Stones has suggested that Dias could become a manager in the future, such is his influence on and off the pitch.
Will the Captaincy Change Mid-Season?
Though it is unlikely that a captaincy change will occur during the current season, the growing support for Ruben Dias indicates that he could one day take on the role permanently. As Manchester City looks to rebound from their current slump, the question of leadership at the club will remain in the spotlight, with Dias potentially being a key figure in the team’s future successes.
The clash against Liverpool on December 1 will be a pivotal moment for the club as they aim to put their recent struggles behind them. With Dias’ rallying cry for unity, it remains to be seen how the team and fans will respond in what promises to be an intense and high-stakes encounter at Anfield.
Sources:
- @City_Xtra (Nov 30, 2024)
- @MCFC_Sam320 (Nov 30, 2024)
- @tomhaaland (Nov 30, 2024)
- @haalandoor (Nov 30, 2024)
