Ruben Dias expressed his frustration after the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal, but reiterated that the team have already dusted themselves down and are looking ahead to our Premier League return next weekend.
City defeated in 2026 Community Shield
Goals from Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard did the damage for the Gunners at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Despite the disappointment from the defeat, Dias confirmed that the squad are raring to go for our first Premier League fixture of the 2026/27 season next Sunday against Bournemouth.
“Obviously it was not good enough and frustrating. Thank you to the fans that came a long distance, thank you for coming so far. It’s the beginning of the season and it’s not good enough, many things are changing obviously with a new manager as well.
“The way the game starts, it sets you off right away and Arsenal get comfortable into playing their game,” he began.
“In the end, this is just starting. The most important is that we’re already looking forward. We’ll be ready for the next game.
“I joined [pre-season] midway. This is the third game since I’ve been back. The feeling has been good. Today it’s frustrating. It was a final and we obviously wanted to win it. If there is a lesson then let it be this one because there’s a lot more coming.”
The encounter was new manager Enzo Maresca’s first competitive match in charge of City following the departure of legendary boss Pep Guardiola at the end of last season.
Dias revealed that there is a positive mood around the camp, with players and staff working hard to achieve success this season.
“It’s obviously a positive energy and a feeling of a lot of work to put in. It’s part of any transition for things to not be so perfect at the beginning,” he said. “You need to push through, keep on working and communicate to make things work between us.
“I feel like we’re in a very good way. We need to keep working. There will be a lot of challenges along the way.
“Stay positive, look forward. We have our first Premier League game very soon and we’re looking forward to it.”
Premier League 2026/27 home tickets now on sale
General admission tickets for Manchester City’s home 2026/27 Premier League fixtures are now on sale to Premium, Matchday and Junior Members.
Season Ticket Members, meanwhile, are now also able to purchase additional tickets for selected games.
Premier League match-by-match ticket prices for junior and adult Matchday Members have been retained at the same rate for a third consecutive season.
It promises to be another thrilling campaign for the Blues as we enter a new era under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, who takes over from Pep Guardiola in the hotseat.
Make sure you secure your spot at the Etihad Stadium for our Premier League fixtures now!