Photo: Katie Chan / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
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Manchester City defender Ruben Dias acknowledged frustration after a 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, but insisted the squad is focused on the Premier League opener against Bournemouth next Sunday.
Goals from Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard secured the trophy for the Gunners in what was new City manager Enzo Maresca's first competitive match in charge following Pep Guardiola's departure at the end of last season.
"Obviously it was not good enough and frustrating. Thank you to the fans that came a long distance," Dias said. "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 Portuguese centre-back noted Arsenal's early dominance set the tone. "The way the game starts, it sets you off right away and Arsenal get comfortable into playing their game," he added.
Dias was clear that the result would be treated as a learning point rather than a setback. "If there is a lesson then let it be this one because there's a lot more coming," he said.
Having rejoined the squad midway through pre-season, Dias described the mood in camp as constructive despite the opening loss. "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.
"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."