Saturday 21 April 2018 10:08, UK
Pep Guardiola has called on Manchester City fans to get behind the women’s team this weekend as they bid to reach the Champions League final.
City host reigning champions Lyon in the first leg of their semi-final on Sunday, the same opponents that knocked them out at this stage of the competition last year.
The game will be played at City's Academy Stadium, overlooked by the Etihad, and kicks off just hours before Guardiola's side face Swansea in their first match since being crowned Premier League champions.
Guardiola, who could only reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League this year, was asked if he had any words of wisdom for the women's team. "I didn't get to the semi-final so they have to give me advice," he said.
"They play against a tough team. Hopefully our Manchester City fans, before our game, can come and watch because the women's team needs our support.
"I wish them all the best."
Nick Cushing, City Women's manager, knows his side are not the favourites for the tie but says the lack of pressure could be to their advantage.
"We know we are the underdogs," Cushing said. "It is almost a free-hit for us because people probably don't expect us to beat this team.
"They are the greatest team in the world, they are two-times champions and have a plethora of talent but we are a good team as well and have nothing to lose.
"We will just go out and play and try and be the best we can be."
