Casparij says City focused on topping group | OneFootball

Kerstin Casparij says there will be no let-up in standards despite City having already qualified for the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarterfinals.

With two games remaining of the group stage, the Blues are three points clear of European champions Barcelona.

Gareth Taylor’s side face Austrian outfit St Polten at the Joie Stadium on Thursday evening and Casparij says finishing top and keeping momentum would be huge going into the latter stages of the competition.

“We want to finish top of the group for sure,” said the Dutch international.

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“It’s beneficial for us going into the next round and of course giving a good performance would give us a boost, so as I say, it would be nice to come top.

“Plus, we want to give our fans something to cheer about and hopefully it won't be too cold for them on Thursday!”

Casparij, when asked about City’s European progress over the past few seasons, replied: “I can't speak for the times we’ve been in the Champions League before.

“We had a really hard game against Real Madrid in the first game last season, that was a really tough opponent, and we were a bit unlucky there and from that moment we've improved, stuck together and a lot of players stayed.

“I feel like there’s a real continuity with the team. We’re showing now in the Champions League - showing how we are together.

“St Polten are a tough team, and we struggled away. They put in a good performance but got the win and I expect the same tomorrow; to be tough again and we need to work hard to get the three points.”

Casparij has become a huge crowd favourite over the past few seasons with supporters loving her tenacity and wholehearted displays.

Asked to reflect on her time at City so far, she said: “It’s been 2.5 years, quite a journey!

“Looking back from when I first signed, the growth I've had - I’ve been pleased with that. To play almost every minute is very pleasing and good to see.”

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