When Manchester City plays Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals on Tuesday night, Ruben Dias has acknowledged that it will be “weird” to play against Joao Cancelo.
Cancelo played 12 matches for the reigning German champions while on loan at Bayern from City in January. The Portugal defender is eligible to play against his parent club under Uefa rules and is anticipated to start the first leg on Tuesday at the Etihad.
The 28-year-old will be strange to face, according to Dias, Cancelo’s international teammate.
We were fighting together not too long ago, so I must admit it will be strange, but it is what it is, added Dias. “Football is it; it sums up our way of life. It will be enjoyable to play against him and catch up with him again now that decisions have been made.
“After spending time together here, we grew close, especially me, him, and Bernardo [Silva], and we remain in contact. Although we have communicated, when the game begins each of us will be on a different team.
After failing to win the Champions League in each of the previous six seasons under Pep Guardiola, Dias, and his City teammates are hoping to succeed this year.
“We did a great job, but it wasn’t enough. Either you do it or not, in the end. While ruminating on the 2021 final loss against Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea, Dias admitted on Monday, “We are quite mindful that we know we still have a lot to do.
We didn’t lose the championship; we merely moved closer, as a very wise man once told me. If you want to keep going after it, it is the only way to see it. Every year, we work to advance and come closer to our goals while also raising awareness of our organization.
He continued, “I suppose the anger is the same as always.” Because it is a unique tournament, we especially want to participate in it and see it through. This league is all about big games, making it through, and defeating the best, therefore it will be a really challenging match. We are pleased to be here and that is where we are.
When it comes to this stage, we all have unique emotions and flavors. The time is now for us to work as a team, to produce, and to be on the pitch performing to the best of our abilities. You can choose to experience this or not. As I previously stated, I believe that these times feed our team, and I believe that is a very positive trait to possess.