Ruben Dias reveals Man City mindset that makes them a major Champions League force

Ruben Dias has lifted the lid on the mentality that has made Manchester City a formidable force in European football.

After beating Sporting Lisbon 5-0 away in the first leg of their last 16 tie, the Blues reinforced their position as favourites to go one better than last season and lift the Champions League this season.

That tag of being the best team in the competition was dismissed by manager Pep Guardiola, and defensive rock Dias says that such things make no impression on the squad - they simply aim to win each game as it comes and keep improving.

That mindset was revealed when, with pundits raving about the quality and clinical finishing that saw Portuguese champions Sporting blown away in the first half, both Bernardo Silva and Guardiola told the media that they felt the team was not at its best and needed to improve certain aspects.

That was reflected by Dias, who said there is a common belief in the squad that there is still plenty of room to get better, and that there can be no let-up - they have already switched their focus to the game against Spurs on Saturday.

“I think there are no secrets in this team,” said Dias. “It's just having the mentality of wanting to become better every day. I think that's how we all feel and what we all want.

“That is why this team is winning season after season, it's not a coincidence. Our spirit and mentality are always the same, despite the results or despite our good moments.

“There is always room for improvement and there is always something to work for.”

City have won three of the last four Premier League titles and are nine points clear in the current race, although nearest challengers Liverpool have a game in hand.

But the fact that they have yet to win the Champions