City are just one game from the Treble having already lifted the Premier League and FA Cup, with Dias a key figure at the heart of the backline.
We have conceded just five times in our 12 games in Europe so far this season, fewer than any side to have played in the Champions League in 2022/23.
This comes after a change in systems by Pep Guardiola, with the boss asking John Stones to step forward into midfield from his usual central defensive slot.
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While that could have left Dias and the full-backs exposed, it has instead contributed to domination of the ball against giants of European football including Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
That also affects Dias’ role on the pitch but the Portugal international believes it is the talent of Stones that has made it work so effectively.
“It has changed the way we do it. The biggest change is to John,” he said.
“From being to my side and then he has to go in the middle and have a completely different role from what it used to be.
“He has definitely showed us how good he is and how good he can be in that position. I am happy for him and I love him.
“It’s a big step in our team because you end up having an extra man in the middle and then in two seconds he is next to me.”
Although Stones and Dias’ relationship in the middle has been crucial to our defensive record, the work of Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and Kyle Walker in particular out wide has been just as important.
Dias believes it’s the mental capacity of each of those that has made City such a fluid side.
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He said: “We all get along very well and one of the main characteristics we all have is that we are intelligent and adaptive to situations that come up.
“If the solution we are doing is not exactly what we need, we’re able to adapt. These days, it’s a very important characteristic to have not just in one player but in your team.”
City’s incredible run of end of season form began in February and saw us go 25 matches unbeaten across all competitions until the defeat at Brentford on the final day of the Premier League season.
That coincided with 11 straight starts in the Premier League for Dias, while the No.3 has not missed a minute of action in the knockout stages of this year’s Champions League.
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However, Dias refuses to take credit for our brilliance in recent months.
“I put it down only to the team,” he stated.
“Everyone recognised the moment and everyone stepped up. That’s why we’re here today and have this opportunity to win a third competition this season. Now it’s about making it even more special.”
With just 90 minutes of football left in what has already been an historic campaign, Dias’ mind is clear and focused on the task at hand.
“I’m feeling good,” he said.
“Everyone wants to be here and we’ve worked a lot to make the final, so we need to make it make sense now.”
City v Inter App coverage
You can follow all of the action on our official app with our Matchday Centre beginning at 16:00 (UK).
Our Matchday Live programme, live from Istanbul, will begin around 18:20 (UK).
Host Natalie Pike will be joined by Matchday Live veterans Nedum Onuoha, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Steph Houghton to provide City-centric insight in the build-up to the game.
The guests will also answer viewer questions throughout the broadcast, with audience participation actively encouraged on Matchday Live.
To get in touch, send a Whatsapp to: +447537186538.
During the game you can listen to live audio commentary while our text commentary continues.
A detailed match report will be posted upon the game’s completion before we provide you with post-match reaction from Guardiola and the players.
Short highlights and a full-match replay (for CITY+ and Recast subscribers) from the match will be available from 23:00 (UK) Saturday with extended highlights available from 23:00 (UK) Sunday 11 June.
