Man City Backs Rúben Dias Following Home Burglary, Says Pep Ljinders

Manchester City assistant coach Pep Lijnders has publicly affirmed the club’s support for defender Rúben Dias following a recent burglary at his home. The incident occurred while Dias was watching Manchester City play Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League, with his partner, Maya Jama, working abroad. Lijnders stated, “These are the things you don’t want to happen. We will support him and let’s see how it goes from there.”

Details of the Incident

Rúben Dias was not present at his property during the burglary. Instead, he was watching City’s match on Wednesday, where they secured a victory against Galatasaray, ensuring their spot in the Champions League’s last 16.

Support from Manchester City

Lijnders, who stepped in for Pep Guardiola during a pre-match press conference, noted that Dias is expected to return to training on Monday. Guardiola missed the conference due to a personal matter but was anticipated to resume duties shortly.

Upcoming Matches and Player Injuries

• Manchester City is preparing for a crucial Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
• Winger Jérémy Doku is sidelined with a calf injury, similar to a previous injury that kept him out for 18 days.

Lijnders expressed confidence in Doku’s resilience, stating, “I presume this will be a little shorter but we will see. Jeremy is a robust player.”

Title Race Intensifies

In the Premier League, Manchester City narrowed the gap to league leaders Arsenal to four points last weekend. Lijnders emphasized the importance of focusing on their performance in upcoming matches. He shared insights from his experience in title races, stressing that winning games is essential to applying pressure on rivals.

Conclusion

The situation surrounding Rúben Dias showcases the challenges players may face off the pitch. However, with the backing of Manchester City’s coaching staff and the commitment to stay focused on their objectives, the team aims to maintain momentum in both the Premier League and the Champions League.