City Live To Play Again Another Day

Last updated : 09 November 2011 By Ed_Scottishfitba

Today saw Glasgow City complete their penultimate training session before the second leg of their last 16 Champion's League tie with Turbine Potsdam. The German side head into tomorrow's game with a 10-0 advantage from the first leg. The session was just as intense as any other but the staff and players looks and sounded relaxed as they prepared for the game. They know the tie is lost and their participation in the Champion's League is over for this season. The two-times Champion's League winners were just too quick in thought and deed for Scotland's top team. However, they have learnt a lot in the process and have ideas to put into action next season as they strive to continue to improve. 

Leanne Ross and Eddie Wolocki Black contemplate meeting Turbine Potsdam again
 
They recognise the gap between Scotland's sides and those in France and Germany is huge and are looking for ways to bridge the gap. Money would be helpful - to allow their players to become full-time - but more important is the need for a credible challenge. City have just completed their league programme with a 100% record over 20 games. Next season will see City look for challenges within the male game to sharpen up the women's playing skills and strength. The opposition being sought will be youth sides and City fully expect to be on the end of a number of defeats. However, the long term goal is more important than winning now.

 
Looking towards tomorrow's game, head coach Eddie Wolecki Black was philosophical about his side's fate. He said: "There is no doubt the tie is now over. We suffered by far our heaviest defeat ever as a club last week and I think the fact that the last time we were ever beaten in any match by more than one goal it was 15 months ago against another top German side Duisburg in the Champions League, highlights the gulf not just between Glasgow City and the top German teams but also Europe. We defeated Valur of Iceland, who were 11th seeds to win the Champions League relatively comfortably 4-1 over two legs in the last 32, so I think anyone can see that there is a big gap to be made up against the highest level in European women’s football, which is without doubt, the top three clubs in Germany (Potsdam, Frankfurt and Duisburg).  We all feel we let ourselves down last week for a number of reasons, but now is not the time for excuses as to why that happened. The important thing is to focus on what we can do better and put on a good performance for our supporters whom we hope will come out in numbers again to support us."