Manchester City centre-back Ruben Dias believes Tuesday night's defeat against Paris Saint-Germain will have no bearing on the club's chances of success against Premier League rivals Liverpool on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola's men suffered their first Champions League group-stage defeat since September 2018, when they were beaten 2-0 by a Lionel Messi-inspired PSG at the Parc des Princes.
Although Dias came away from the French capital frustrated, the 24-year-old remains optimistic heading into City's clash at Anfield and believes they are capable of bouncing back with a victory.
"Essentially, it's a frustrating night for us. I'm still fresh, but the team was there. We created chances. The team played good against a tough opponent. Two top teams playing against each other. Essentially it was a matter of us not finishing what we created," Dias said to the press after the game.
"It affects nothing [ahead of Liverpool], especially we know what we're capable of, we know our identity and we know what we need to do at Anfield to win. Obviously it's a loss and we're frustrating but that's the good habits of being a top team. We'll take it but in no time we'll be back again."
"We're disappointed because we demand everything we can from ourselves, individually, collectively. Now the major focus is on Sunday's game at Anfield and that's where all our energy will be."
Dias, who is celebrating one year at Man City after his £65m move from Benfica last summer, has become one of the Premier League's most influential centre-back and has transformed Guardiola's backline, as the Citizens have conceded just 22 goals in 38 league games with the Portuguese international in the team.
Oliver Thomas
