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Bacary Sagna admits Manchester City lacked fight in Monaco defeat

Kylian Mbappe and Bacary Sagna battle for possession during their Champions League round of 16 match at the Stade Louis II
Image: Bacary Sagna (right) says his team need to bounce back against Liverpool

Bacary Sagna has admitted Manchester City lacked fight in their Champions League defeat in Monaco.

Pep Guardiola's side, 5-3 up from the home leg, lost 3-1 and went out of the tournament on away goals.

Much of the damage was done in the first half at Stade Louis II, where the visitors found themselves 2-0 down by the half-hour mark.

"It is a massive disappointment. We forgot to play in the first half," said City right-back Sagna.

"We forgot to fight as a team, defend as a team and press as a team.

"We gave them too much respect and, against these kind of players, we put ourselves in danger."

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Pep Guardiola says he needs more time to turn Manchester City into serious Champions League contenders

With third-placed City 10 points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea, the FA Cup appears to be their only realistic hope of a trophy this season.

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They also face a battle to qualify for next season's Champions League, making the visit of fourth-placed Liverpool on Super Sunday a vital match for both clubs.

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"We have to recover because on Sunday we have an important game," said Sagna.

"I expect a reaction from the team. I expect more desire, to show more passion.

"We did show passion in the second half against Monaco but it is not enough."

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