The Robbins host Manchester City in the second leg at Ashton Gate on January 23.
Bristol City Lee Johnson (Photo: AFP)
Despite seeing his side go down 2-1 to Manchester City in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, Bristol City head coach Lee Johnson has refused to throw in the towel as he said there’s everything still to play for in the second leg.
“I am proud of the football club tonight. It’s half-time, we are still in the tie,” the Bristol City head coach insisted at his post-match press conference.
Bobby Reid’s penalty towards the end of the first-half had given the Robbins an unlikely lead before Kevin De Bruyne equalised for the hosts early in the second period and Sergio Aguero would break Bristol City hearts with a 92nd-minute winner.
Advertisement
“I am disappointed in the manner we conceded the goal, because I didn’t feel the boys deserved it,” Johnson continued as he added, “They put their bodies on the line, I thought we played some really good football at times, we had opportunities and we have probably done as well as Premier League teams that have come here, probably in some cases, better”.
Johnson felt that the second leg will be as keenly contested as the first, especially with the fact that Bristol have scored the an way leg as he stated: “I think it (the return leg) will be an interesting game, because Manchester City have got some big games coming up, UEFA Champions League games, some big league games”.
“The one thing I know is that the atmosphere at Ashton Gate, especially since we are still in the tie, will be phenomenal,” Johsnon said with a wry smile.
“You heard how loud our traveling fans were tonight, credit to them and the boys did them proud,” the 36-year-old tactician added.
Chelsea host Arsenal in the first leg of the second semi-final at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.
The return leg at Ashton Gate is scheduled to take place on January 23.
Advertisement
