Words from some of our upcoming talent, more recognition for Raheem and reaction to our defeat in Madrid represents the lion’s share of the stories we’ll focus on today.
So, let’s get going…
Player quotes
‘I’m ready’ says Eric Garcia
Mirror report: Eric Garcia has told boss Pep Guardiola he is ready for the Premier League if and when required...
“The 18-year-old Spaniard, who joined City from Barcelona two years ago, is doing all he can to earn a first Premier League start from boss Guardiola.
“Garcia’s only previous Premier League experience was as a 67th-minute sub for Otamendi in City’s 8-0 rout of Watford last month, when the champions were already 7-0 up.
“But asked if he now felt ready to start a Premier League game, Garcia said: ‘With these games, it helps to be ready if someday I have the opportunity to play.
‘Those type of games are the ones that are really helping me.
‘So, I keep working and wait for my opportunity to prove I can also play.
‘I’m really happy for the opportunity to play in the Carabao Cup. It’s very important for me.
‘With the confidence the staff and the players give to me, on the pitch it’s very easy.
‘Pep says just to play like I do always and be confident, be calm and speak with all the players, because they will help me, and I need to help them as well.
“The staff and the players are helping me a lot. I have more contact with the defenders, because we play in the same position and we try to help each other.
‘We’re a team. We’re all friends because it’s the key, when you’re going to play tough games in the Champions League and in the Premier League, to all be together.’
Staying with promising youngsters, and the spotlight remains firmly on Tommy Doyle following his debut against Southampton…
Daily Mail: Doyle follows in grandfathers’ footsteps
Mail report: Tommy reveals a chat with granddad Glyn Pardoe before Tuesday’s senior bow…
‘I FaceTimed him (Pardoe) before the game, and told him I couldn’t wait,’ said Doyle. ‘He reminded me he was only 15, just getting a little dig in! He’s a legend at this club so I’m fortunate to get advice others might not have.
‘I went out and did the best I can. Hopefully Mike is watching down and is proud of me, because I’ve done it for him as well.
‘As I walked out of the tunnel, the seat I was in for the Sergio Aguero 93:20 day is straight ahead. It was the first thing I looked at.’
“Pardoe, who made 380 appearances for the club, said: ‘Watching Tommy took me right back 57 years ago to when I made my City debut. It was tremendous, and I was so, so proud.”
Reaction
Blues bow out of UEFA Women’s Champions League
The Guardian: Atleti send City out
“Manchester City’s third consecutive defeat was the most damaging, a loss that cut deep. Beaten by Manchester United, beaten by Arsenal, they were beaten by Atlético Madrid, knocked out of Europe at the hands of the same team who eliminated them last year.
“A late goal from Pauline Bremer set up a frantic final few minutes but in the end a Steph Houghton own goal and a second from Angela Sosa was enough to take Atlético through, 2-1 on the night, 3-2 on aggregate, and end City’s European ambitions.
“For City, twice semi-finalists, this was hard to take and there were tears at the final whistle. ‘This will hurt,’ the manager, Nick Cushing, said. ‘We’re in a difficult period but we were knocked out a round earlier last year and won two trophies.
‘We haven’t lost three in a row since 2015 but we just need to make sure we keep believing and we will be fine.’
Recognition
Raheem up for another award…
Sky Sports: Sterling shortlisted
“Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling has been named on the Football Black List, an initiative that celebrates the most influential black people in the British game.
“Sterling is included on the ‘Cyrille Regis Players’ list for his stance on addressing racism in football and how he used his profile and platform to raise awareness of how black people can be misrepresented in the media.
“The Football Black List was founded in 2008 by sports journalists Leon Mann and Rodney Hinds and aims to highlight positive influencers from the black community in the sport.”
That’s all for today… happy trick or treating.
