Massive Shake-Up and Record Millions: New City Captain Ruben Dias Praises Guardiola's Successor

City spent a record-breaking £458 million this summer. Key acquisitions include midfielders Enzo Fernandez, Elliot Anderson, and the promising Ayyoub Bouaddi. Conversely, the club generated over £300 million from sales, primarily parting ways with experienced squad members. Spanish World Cup winner Rodri joined Barcelona, former captain Bernardo Silva moved to Real Madrid, and John Stones transferred to Inter Milan.

Dias has been part of the leadership group since his arrival in 2020, and Maresca has now chosen him as captain. “My role is all about trying to be the best version of myself. In that sense, nothing has changed,” Dias told BBC Sport.

“Many winners have left, but now new people have arrived with great ambition and an immense desire to win, which is what drives the club forward. We’ve combined that with the arrival of a coach who was here before and can clearly show us the right path. This combination ensures it works,” stated the four-time league title winner.

The new name in the City dugout represents an even greater change than those within the squad. Maresca has replaced his mentor, Guardiola. The Italian won the league with City's youth team in the 2020/21 season and returned in 2022/23 as Guardiola's assistant during their treble-winning campaign. After stints at Leicester City and Chelsea, he took over from the Spanish coach before the current season.

“It wasn't easy for any of us at the club. However, Enzo is the ideal person because he knows this environment very well. I feel that everything makes a lot of sense and that we have all embraced his ideas,” Dias commented. City has started the season flawlessly, apart from their FA Community Shield loss to Arsenal. However, a tough challenge awaits them on Sunday in their Premier League Week 4 clash against city rivals United.