We're already looking forward, insists Dias after Community Shield defeat

Match Report

City defeated in 2026 Community Shield

Goals from Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard did the damage for the Gunners at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Despite the disappointment from the defeat, Dias confirmed that the squad are raring to go for our first Premier League fixture of the 2026/27 season next Sunday against Bournemouth.

“Obviously it was not good enough and frustrating. Thank you to the fans that came a long distance, thank you for coming so far. It’s the beginning of the season and it’s not good enough, many things are changing obviously with a new manager as well.

“The way the game starts, it sets you off right away and Arsenal get comfortable into playing their game,” he began.

“In the end, this is just starting. The most important is that we’re already looking forward. We’ll be ready for the next game.

“I joined [pre-season] midway. This is the third game since I’ve been back. The feeling has been good. Today it’s frustrating. It was a final and we obviously wanted to win it. If there is a lesson then let it be this one because there’s a lot more coming.”

The encounter was new manager Enzo Maresca’s first competitive match in charge of City following the departure of legendary boss Pep Guardiola at the end of last season.

Dias revealed that there is a positive mood around the camp, with players and staff working hard to achieve success this season.

“It’s obviously a positive energy and a feeling of a lot of work to put in. It’s part of any transition for things to not be so perfect at the beginning,” he said. “You need to push through, keep on working and communicate to make things work between us.

“I feel like we’re in a very good way. We need to keep working. There will be a lot of challenges along the way.

“Stay positive, look forward. We have our first Premier League game very soon and we’re looking forward to it.”