The Croatian defender made the move to City from the German side in the summer transfer window and has made a fine start to life at the Etihad.
He was part of the City side that lifted the UEFA Super Cup in August and has seamlessly adapted to the demands of the Premier League.
Now the 21-year-old faces an instant return to his former colleagues with City’s first away assignment in this season’s group stages taking us to the Red Bull Arena for a third consecutive season.
CITY+ | SIGN UP TO ACCESS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
As a fellow defender Dias arguably appreciates Gvardiol’s qualities more than most. And he says the Croatian has made the perfect start to life at the Club – both on and off the field.
“I think he’s settling in very good. He’s a player with a tremendous quality, that’s easy to see,” Dias pointed out.
“More than that is the fact he really wants to win. He’s one more piece to join to the party.
“He’s settling in very well. Good easy-going guy, easy person to communicate off and on the pitch.
“And obviously individual qualities aside that’s one big quality to have, that easy communication especially on the pitch.”
Dias was an integral part of the City squad that secured a historic Treble last term capped by the Club’s first-ever Champions League title.
But questioned whether it was a challenge to maintain the hunger that cemented our place in history, Dias was unequivocal in his response.
“Most definitely. More beautiful than doing it once is to do it twice and more beautiful that three Premier Leagues in a row is to win four,” the Portuguese international pointed out.
“Also more beautiful than winning one Champions League is to win two in a row, the same goes to the FA Cup.
“The motivation couldn’t be any higher. We’re aware we’ve done something very special.
“We’re all very young and very hungry as well, we’ll make the math when it’s time to make it.”
LEIPZIG V CITY APP COVERAGE
Minute-by-minute text updates will begin in our Matchday Centre two hours before kick-off, while our Matchday Live show will begin at 18:45 (UK).
Nedum Onuoha, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Steph Houghton are special guests on the latest Matchday Live show, offering their expert insight at half-time and in greater detail after the final whistle.
CITY+ | SIGN UP TO ACCESS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
They 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 from Alistair Mann and former City defender Kit Symons while our text commentary continues.
Make sure to have push notifications turned on as well, so you can be alerted to key moments in the action, including goals, red cards and the team news.
Highlights and a full-match replay on CITY+ can be viewed following full-time.
