Yahoo Sports We want to top spot, says Taylor
Gareth Taylor says City are motivated to finish top of our Champions League group even if we secure qualification early against Hammarby.
The Blues lock horns with the Swedish outfit on Thursday 21 November at 17:45 (UK) knowing we'll seal progression into the quarter-final stages with two games to spare should we avoid defeat.
That’s thanks to our 100% record in the competition so far after three games which has included memorable victories over Barcelona, St Polten and Martin Sjogren’s side.
If we are to reach the last-eight, it will represent our first appearance at that stage in Europe since 2021.
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And Taylor reaffirmed his and the squad’s relentless desire to win every Champions League match in Group D this term.
“We feel one more win will get us into the quarter-final stages, but it doesn’t stop after that," he declared.
"We want to finish at the top of the group and win every game in this fantastic competition,
“It’s been a while since we've been here, and we’re enjoying the ride at the moment.
“That for us doesn’t change, it’s about winning games. We then go into the international break on a high then look forward to the challenges that come before Christmas.
“When we got into the group stages and having done so well in Paris, the objective then was to qualify for the next stage.
“We want to do that. We're in a good position to do that, but we want to win every game.
“After this break, we have the next block of games which completes the Champions League and obviously involves St Polten at home and Barcelona away.”
City enter the fixture in Stockholm having suffered a narrow 2-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Barclays Women’s Super League last time out.
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It signalled our first loss of the term in all competitions as a team missing key players through injury, such as Lauren Hemp and Laia Aleixandri, just missed out on extending our unbeaten streak to 13 games.
However, Taylor says he’s been pleased with the reaction he’s seen from his players since the result at Stamford Bridge.
He added: “We've got a few bumps and bruises but we'll put out a competitive team tomorrow.
“I’ve been pleased with the reaction since Chelsea, the margins were tight in that game.
“Being able to train for last few days has been good, we’ve put thought into the game and want to finish on a high [before the international break].”
