‘Tough times ahead’: Ruben Dias slams Man City squad for Champions League exit

Manchester City defender Ruben Dias has called out his teammates following their Champions League exit in the hands of Real Madrid.

City were beaten 3-1 with Kylian Mbappe stealing the show. The French forward bagged an hat trick as Madrid won 6-3 on aggregate. Dias who was on the pitch for the whole game refused to offer any excuses for City’s dismal result.

Speaking after the game, Dias urged his teammates to ‘grow’ from their Real Madrid humbling but warned that tough times are ahead.

And after admitting the defeat ‘hurts’, Dias offered a crumb of comfort for City as he identified a clearer schedule that could aid them towards the end of the season.

Rúben Dias gestures during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match against Real Madrid (Photo by Manu Reino/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

“Overall we were just not good enough, the best team went through,” he said post-match. “We are frustrated obviously. It is a difficult moment, we were not good enough to go through. It’s as simple as that. The ambition is always present, we always try and do our best and always try and create situations were we can actually do something.

“This year we need to put our hands down and recognise we were just not good enough to go through.”

Dias also hinted at ‘growth’ that must come from the disappointment in Madrid, adding that the club agrees with him on that particular subject.

“We win and that’s all we do. So whenever we don’t it hurts more,” he continued. “It’s in times like this you grow the most. It’s something very present on my mind and on the club’s mind. there’s not much to say, hands down, shake hands and then look forward. we’re still in two competitions so we need to grow from this. it’s the only way.

“There’s no time to feel sorry. Only time to improve, keep running and keep fighting. Tough games ahead and we need to survive them. I don’t know if it will be a week or two weeks more playing every three days. Things will settle differently being out of the Champions League, we’ll have a different schedule. Look forward and grow.”