Manchester City captain Rúben Dias recently gave an interview to NBC Sports, discussing the changes at Manchester City following the appointment of new manager Enzo Maresca and squad adjustments. He expressed his determination to maintain the club's high standards and pursue further success under Maresca's leadership. Here is part of this exclusive interview.

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We're delighted to welcome Rúben Dias, a standout player for Portugal and Manchester City. First, how are you doing at the moment? How has life been at Manchester? How was your summer break? Even though Manchester City has undergone many changes at this stage, you've performed brilliantly in the early season. Would you say everything has gone smoothly so far?

Yes, it was a great summer. The break wasn't long, but it was enjoyable. Now we're back into the season, and I'm very excited about everything that lies ahead. Clearly, as you mentioned, the team has gone through many changes. We have new players coming in and teammates moving away. Of course, there's also a new manager bringing fresh tactical ideas to some extent. Overall, everyone feels good about the current situation, which is very exciting.

When discussing Manchester City's significant changes, some outsiders believe this could affect your chances in various competitions this season. But listening to what you've said, it seems that's not the case. Do you feel the same way? Since Enzo Maresca was previously an assistant coach at Manchester City, does that mean there are only minor tactical adjustments, and the players have adapted naturally to these new ideas?

Yes, ultimately Enzo was part of the coaching staff that helped the team win three championships. He spent one season playing for Manchester City, and that's no ordinary achievement. Regarding other changes, the club naturally makes decisions about what they believe is necessary. Perhaps at this moment, such significant changes are truly needed. We simply accept it and move forward. Clearly, the new players bring a winning mentality and ambition. So we're fully implementing Enzo's tactical philosophy and moving ahead with confidence. Everyone is filled with motivation.

When we talk about that glorious season when you won three championships, how significant was Enzo Maresca's role? Could you share some details you remember, such as important moments when he guided you during training, and how much he helped you during that impressive and remarkable season?

At that time, he was an assistant coach—or to be more precise, he was the lead assistant coach. So his influence was extremely important. We had many exceptional moments back then. However, those are now in the past. It's history—beautiful history. And what we need to write now is a new chapter in our history.

So in terms of technical and tactical play, what changes do you think have occurred? I imagine everyone can see some small adjustments, but are the changes Maresca has brought merely minor tweaks? Can you tell us what the specific feel of Manchester City's football is like this season?

I won't reveal too many tactical details because I don't think it's appropriate for me to explain extensively. However, there are clearly some adjustments in detail that make the style of play quite different from before. But on a macro level, the overall structure still closely aligns with what we've been committed to all along: the way we try to exploit opponents' weaknesses, the importance we place on possession, and the critical importance of controlling the ball. Of course, in terms of how we press opponents and the intensity we bring, we're working hard to improve further. We're training diligently with all our might to enhance every aspect and reach the highest level, which will maximize our performance on the pitch.

Rúben, as one of Manchester City's leaders, it seems this role comes naturally to you, and you appear to enjoy it. Is that true? Your performances on the pitch make people feel you're a natural leader. Can you explain this feeling?

Actually, I'm not fixated on the "leadership" role. What I really love is winning. That's why I've always been this way. I always put the team first rather than focusing excessively on myself. Ultimately, as long as we can win, as long as everyone shares the same vision, thinks and works toward the same goal, I'll do whatever is necessary. So I think this mainly comes from my principles, my understanding of football, and my attitude toward chasing victory.

Rúben, the other day I looked at the squad list for the recent match, and only Phil Foden has been at Manchester City longer than you. For you, this represents a long and remarkably stable commitment. What do you think is the main reason for all of this? Before you knew it, you'd been at Manchester City for quite a while.

What should I credit this to? My ambition, the club's trust in me, and of course the fact that we've achieved great glory together. Now that past glory is history, and we aspire to win more trophies and reach the summit again. So fundamentally, whatever happens in the future stems from the fact that our ambitions remain perfectly aligned with the club's grand vision.

How important has mental resilience been over these years? We all know how demanding top-level competition is physically, but at the highest level of world football, preparing for intense matches every three days for years—can you explain how difficult this is and what you've had to endure?

Sometimes you feel the weight of it heavily. The fixture schedule is intense, and it's exhausting. But as I've mentioned, I've been surrounded by exceptional players, some of whom have now retired. During those times, besides witnessing their joy from success, I've also seen their sadness and despair at no longer being able to play. I've transformed this awareness into an opportunity to examine myself and my career, reflecting deeply on how important it is to appreciate each day and to feel grateful that I can be here now.

This is my seventh season playing at the highest level of the Premier League, and I love this sport so much that I wish this moment would never end. But eventually it will, and for that reason, I'm fully committed to enjoying everything it offers me: from every training session to every match, every opportunity to step onto the pitch and train in this shirt, and to be in an environment where everyone around me is as eager to win as I am, where everyone has ambition. This is a great blessing, and sometimes this fortune can be overshadowed by chaos, easily overlooked in the rush of time and the intensity of the moment. But I see it very clearly; I know this might be the greatest joy of my life. So I want to enjoy it as much as possible.

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