Plenty still to fight for, says Cushing | OneFootball

Nick Cushing says City's focus must now turn to the FA Cup European qualification after bowing out of the UEFA Women's Champions League at the quarter-final stage.

A 3-0 second leg defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge saw us edged our 3-2 on aggregate at the last eight stage.

It was a frustrating way to end our European campaign, with a threadbare squad pushing until the end against a side who'd lost just once in all competitions in 2024/25, against City at the Joie Stadium.

But Cushing insists the Blues can still end the season on a high, with all eyes now on an FA Cup semi-final with Manchester United and a three-way tussle with our rivals and Arsenal for the Barclays Women's Super League's top three.

Our Interim Head Coach said: "I believe this club should and will be fighting for trophies, whether it’s in the Champions League, the league or other two Cup competitions.

"We’ll continue to do that. We know what we have to play for now, there’s an FA Cup final, with a semi against United coming up, and to fight for the Champions League places, where we’re chasing down United and Arsenal.

"The clarity of what we need to do is there, we have to find the solutions now to be competitive in those games."

With several key players missing and Chelsea being the runaway leaders in the WSL, City were always going to be pushed to our limits in the four matches between the sides in the space of twelve days.

Cushing described the experience as the 'ultimate test' for his side, but expressed his personal pride at how the Blues battled in every game.

"It’s been the ultimate test when you play the most in-form team," he added.

"It’s difficult to say where we're at because we have so many key players missing, but I'm proud. We’ve shown the spirit is there and caused Chelsea problems in all four games.

"With so much stress on the group, to still be in the game and pushing, it shows the character and I'm proud of that."