RU’ WILL NOT CATCH US OUT
nothing. We want them to come and we really want to be the best.
“We’ll see what they’ll do. Whatever they decide to do, we’ll be ready.
“We definitely know that Arsenal is a contender and, as such, they deserve our respect.
Portugeuse star Dias added: “The season has just started and I’d say we’re still far from our best.
“We’re still progressing, in terms of the quality of our play, in mentality, in everything.”
Arsenal parked the bus the last time they came to the Etihad, back in March, earning a creditable 0-0 draw, although City went on to win the title by two points from the Gunners.
Similar
Mikel Arteta is expected to set his side up in a similar way on Sunday, to thwart and frustrate City and hope to hit them on the break, just as Inter Milan did in Wednesday’s 0-0 Champions League draw.
City defender Josko Gvardiol echoed his teammate Dias and revealed Pep Guardiola will devise two or three ways for the team to play, depending on how Arsenal set up.
Asked what City are expecting from Arsenal, Gvardiol said: “I cannot tell you, I really don’t know how they will play.
“We need to prepare in two or three ways, just to be sure.”
Format
Gvardiol said he is a fan of the new Champions League format but echoed teammates Rodri and Manuel Akanji in calling for an ease to the fixture burden placed on players, with so many additional games.
“I’m a very big fan of the new format,” said Gvardiol.
“Of course, I would be more happier if I could get some more days off, but it is what it is.
“Whatever I say, they’re not going to change anything. I would be happier with more days off, especially for my other team-mates.
“I’m still young and fresh, they are the ones who probably need a rest.
“But I’m no-one to decide or change anything.”