MY ACCOUNT
Manchester City defender Ruben Dias believes the winter World Cup in Qatar may come at exactly the right time for elite players.
Portugal international Dias, 25, is likely to play a key role for Fernando Santos’ side having excelled for City since his arrival at the Etihad in September 2020.
The domestic season will be brought to a halt in order to accommodate the global showpiece, which kicks off on November 20.
And Dias believes the unusual timing of the tournament may come as a benefit to many.
He told Portuguese outlet Record: “I think the World Cup is going to catch us at a time in the season when the preparation is already advanced.
“It will be different from what it would be at the end of the season when we are already more tired, we are already a little bit at our limit, and it might be harder to be at our peak form.
“From that point of view it will be new for everybody and something interesting to see. It’s unknown terrain for everyone.
“Maybe the most successful are the ones who will be able to adapt better to the circumstances.”
Remarkable Ronaldo
A number of Premier League stars will feature for the Euro 2016 champions, who have been drawn against Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea in Group H.
City team-mates Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva will form a crucial part of Santos’ thinking, while across Manchester, United boast compatriots Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes and legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
Dias is excited by the prospect of seeing Cristiano shine on the international stage once more.
He added: “Ronaldo’s status is Ronaldo’s status, and I don’t think there’s much more to add to that.
“Cristiano is a very important player for us.
“There is that companionship that exists between all of us.
“There are different ways of playing and as such, it is very important to switch off the club chip and switch on the national team chip.
“And to switch on that willingness to work with all our colleagues.”
European dreams
On the domestic front, Manchester City have begun their season in ominous form with summer signing Erling Haaland netting 13 goals in his first eight appearances.
City head to Wolves on Saturday a point behind leaders Arsenal, having maintained their 100% start to their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night.
With many tipping Guardiola’s men as favourites for both Premier League and European glory, Dias is not getting carried away.
He said: “I really like to work without expectations.
“Obviously, I have my dreams. But I really like to think one day at a time.
“It’s very easy to fool ourselves, especially nowadays with social networks and all the publicity.
“Obviously, I want to win a Champions League.
“It’s about putting that obsession of wanting to win back into perspective a bit and focusing on the day to day.”
