Renée Slegers was able to take pride in our UEFA Women’s Champions League efforts this season, but was naturally disappointed not to make it to back-to-back finals.
Speaking to us after Saturday’s 3-1 defeat away to Lyon in the semi-final second leg, the head coach said: “We’re disappointed, of course. It was about tight margins, and I think we struggled today in certain phases, but we stayed in the game, and we scored a 2-1, which is a great cross from Smilla, and Less in the right space at the right time.
“So, we're back in the game, and then they scored a goal. So, of course, we're disappointed. We're proud to be with the best four in Europe, but, yeah, we wanted more, so we have to continue to work.”
Twice we were denied by the woodwork in the 59th minute, with Stina Blackstenius and Olivia Smith both unlucky not to see their strikes find the back of the net, so it was certainly a spirited second half display.
“I think that was similar to the home leg, where we come out with a lot of energy, where they drop in their energy, and that's the moment we wanted to capitalise on,” Renée continued. “We did in the 75th minute, but, yeah, we have to congratulate Lyon. They were good today.”
Lastly, she had a message for the supporters who travelled overseas to attend the weekend’s game: “It was a great atmosphere in the stadium. They were really high up, but I think the players connected with them before the game. We thanked them afterwards. So, always very grateful for the fans and to represent this beautiful club.”
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