Wed Sep 25 19:54:03 UTC 2024: ## Manchester City Eye Champions League Group Stage, Focused on Paris FC Match
Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor stressed the importance of having three English teams in the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage, highlighting the difficulty of qualifying. His team is on the verge of securing a spot, having secured a commanding 5-0 victory in the first leg of their second-round qualifier against Paris FC.
Despite the comfortable lead, Taylor remains cautious, acknowledging Paris FC’s ability to upset larger teams in the past. “It’s a top achievement for us if we were to do it,” he stated, referring to the potential qualification.
The focus, however, is firmly on the upcoming second leg at the Academy Stadium on Thursday, where City aims to defend their aggregate score.
Taylor emphasized his focus on his team’s performance, while acknowledging the importance of Arsenal’s match against BK Hacken, who they face in the other second-leg qualifier. Arsenal needs to overturn a 1-0 deficit to join Chelsea in the group stage.
“We’re really focusing on what we do tomorrow and making sure that we get the mentality right,” Taylor said.
Meanwhile, Dutch striker Vivianne Miedema, who scored City’s first goal in their 2-2 draw against Arsenal in their Women’s Super League (WSL) opener, is available for the Paris FC match. Despite facing a challenging week following her return to her former club, Miedema is in good spirits and ready to contribute.
Taylor confirmed that Jill Roord is nearing a return from her anterior cruciate ligament injury, but the Paris FC game will come too soon. Her return is expected to be this weekend.
First Piper 