Gareth Taylor says he couldn’t fault the efforts of his players despite a difficult night against Barcelona in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
City’s 3-0 defeat to the reigning European Champions meant we had to settle for second spot in Group D.
The Blues were looking to preserve a 100% record in the Champions League but goals from Claudia Pina, Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas saw us leapfrogged by Barcelona into top spot in our final group clash.
It was a tough lesson for a depleted City side, but Taylor’s post-match message was a positive one.
He said: “[It was an] Amazing effort, we know we weren’t functioning and effective in certain areas with and without the ball, but you couldn’t fault the effort of the players.
“This game won’t define us. We’ll learn, get better, get players back, start to get stronger and will improve.
“It was tough. Barcelona set off at a very good pace at the start, got the bit between their teeth, attacked and pressed us really hard.
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“You have to give credit to them, they’re a top team, we’re trying to do something similar and it takes time to build that.
“We were a little bit dysfunctional with and without the ball tonight, the effort from the girls was first class.”
Perhaps City’s standout performer despite the defeat was Khiara Keating, who made a string of impressive saves to keep the Blues in the contest.
Still just 20 years old, Taylor praised the young stopper’s maturity on the big occasion as well as her attitude in competing for the number one spot with Ayaka Yamashita.
“She’s been ready and available and that’s all you can be as a keeper,” the boss continued.
“It has to be the same for Yama and the other keepers, they need to be ready when called upon.
“She was outstanding tonight, showed a lot of personality and a lot of maturity for someone so young on the biggest stage.”