Man City star Ruben Dias provided a frosty interview to Jan Aage Fjortoft after his side fell to yet another defeat on Sunday afternoon.
Arne Slot‘s side reaffirmed their title credentials with a convincing win over the champions, with Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah grabbing the goals at Anfield on the day.
The result means that City are now on a seven-match winless run which has seen them drop to third in the Premier League table – nine points adrift from leaders Liverpool.
As questions over their credentials continue to be raised, Dias has now come forward and defended his team in an awkward interview with ex-Premier League star Fjortoft.
In an interview for Viaplay TV, Fjortoft asked how they City players planned on taking ‘responsibility’ for their poor form.
Dias replied: ‘You know that you’re talking to one of the players of one of the teams in the world that has won the most in recent years? Have a think about that and be sure that we know how to deal with it’.
Man City star Ruben Dias (left) snapped back at Jan Aage Fjortoft (right) during a frosty interview
Dias’ outburst comes after City fell to a 2-0 defeat against title rivals Liverpool on Sunday night
Despite the frosty response, Fjortoft insisted on a definitive answer. Dias then said: ‘Easy, next game. One game at a time’.
The hostile reception from the City stars comes as somewhat of a shock given Fjortoft’s close relationship with star striker Erling Haaland.
Fjortoft has maintained a close watch over his compatriot’s football career and pushed for the Norwegian to move to the Premier League prior to joining City.
Earlier in the season, Haaland delivered a surprisingly open interview to Fjortoft regarding his conflict with Chelsea and Spain star Marc Cucurella.
It was a difficult afternoon for Man City and their players, who were evidently left frustrated not only by the result but also their poor run of form.
City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega described Liverpool as ‘probably not the best part in the UK’ after manager Pep Guardiola was targeted by chants from the Anfield crowd.
After the match, Ortega gave his reaction to the chants, directing his ire towards the city of Liverpool in a remarkable interview.
He said: ‘Someone told me before that this area [Liverpool] is probably not the best part in the UK. I think the manager reacted really well.’
City’s stars were left infuriated after the result – which was their seventh match without a win
Stefan Ortega described Liverpool as ‘probably not the best part in the UK’ after his side’s loss
The rivalry between the two sides has been one of the most prominent in football in recent years with the teams sharing the last seven titles between them.
Indeed, furious encounters between City boss Guardiola and former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp often made headlines as the pair vied for Premier League glory.
At times, the rivals have clashed off the field too with both sets of fans seen throwing punches on Wembley Way ahead of the Reds’ dramatic 3-2 win in the FA Cup semi-final in 2022.
On that occasion, police were forced to intervene as the violent scenes continued in the build-up to kick-off.
Meanwhile back in February, Jamie Carragher also clashed with Fjortoft on social media after the Norwegian pundit criticised the Liverpool defender for poking fun at Martin Odegaard’s celebrations following Arsenal’s 3-1 win against Liverpool last season.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ commentary after the match, Carragher fumed as Odegaard was seen taking a camera from a photographer, before proceeding to take several pictures of the cameraman in front of home supporters behind the goal.
‘Just get down the tunnel. You’ve won a game, three points, you’ve been brilliant. Back in the title race, get down the tunnel. I’m serious, honestly,’ Carragher said after the match.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher previously clashed with Fjortoft on social media
Fjortoft didn’t see the funny side to Carragher’s jibe, writing in reply: ‘Come on @Carra23. Let Martin show his passion! Also on the pitch. Let him have this moment with his mates at Arsenal like @Stuart_PhotoAFC.
The former Norway international – who played for Middlesbrough and Sheffield United and has gained prominence as a Premier League pundit with Viaplay and other European rights holders – added: ‘Nothing to do with being disciplined or not. Football could do with more people expressing their love for the game. I know you deep inside agree with me, mate.’
But the ex-Liverpool defender hit back at Fjortoft, writing: ‘Jan it’s a joke about a Neil Warnock quote, FFS! I like the way you’ve tagged them all in including the camera man so you get the retweets & likes you want.
‘I thought the camera stuff was a bit OTT, a bit like your claim that Mo Salah would leave Liverpool!’
