Manchester City F.C.
·26 September 2024
Manchester City F.C.
·26 September 2024
Gareth Taylor hopes City can make a real impact in the UEFA Champions League this season after reaching the group stages.
We progressed thanks to an 8-0 aggregate win over Paris FC, capped off by a three-goal second leg victory at the Joie Stadium.
It means we've gained passage to the full competition for the first time since the 2020/21 campaign, when we reached the quarter-finals.
And while Taylor won't get carried away, he believes his side have what it takes to reach the competition's latter stages.
"It’s hard to say. I feel we can go a long way," he said.
"I will never say that we’re going to win it but getting out of the group stages will be the next objective.
"Once we’re out of there, very quickly you’re into a quarter-final where anything can happen.
"You saw last time we were in a quarter-final we had a really tough opponent in Barcelona who went on to win it that year.
"We were probably one of the only teams to beat them in the sconed leg that season.
"We want a crack at it and to really have a go, enjoy the ride and the experience but we actually want to do something in this competition. I think we can."
The boss also provided an update on Alex Greenwood's fitness.
Our captain was brought off after 35 minutes against Paris FC, making way for Kerstin Casparij after picking up a knock.
But Taylor insists her substitution was precautionary, and didn't see it as cause for concern.
He added: "She was going to come off at half-time.
"That wasn't pre-planned [the 35th minute substitution], it was just to see how the first part of the game goes.
"Obviously when we were 2-0 up we looked to protect her.
"It just came a bit sooner, I think she's fine. It was a kick on the top of her foot."