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After failing to earn a Champions League spot, interim Manchester City manager Nick Cushing claims his team have “been short of standards and expectations.”
City, who were fourth in the table, needed to defeat Manchester United at Old Trafford to maintain their hopes of playing in European football next season, but they were unable to draw 2-2 after leading by 2-0 at the start.
Following Gareth Taylor’s sacking in March, Cushing assumed charge of City until the end of the season and was tasked with leading the team to a top-three finish in the Women’s Super League.
He said, “When I took this role, it was about winning trophies and qualifying, and we haven’t been able to deliver that.”
“During my time here, we have consistently delivered trophies over a seven-year period.” This team should consistently be winning in the Champions League and delivering trophies.
Although the league position is far below what I anticipate, we are not far off.
In the event that City came within one point of United in the table with a victory over United, it would have been a thrilling season-ending finale. On May 10, City hosts relegierte Crystal Palace, while United travel to second-placed Arsenal.
Chelsea was pushed all the way by City last year, finishing second only in goal difference, but they will end the season without silverware and no European football.
United also knocked them out of the FA Cup in the semi-finals, while Chelsea knocked them out of the Champions League semifinals and beat them in the League Cup final.
With captain Alex Greenwood, winger Lauren Hemp, forward Vivianne Miedema, and top goalscorer Khadija Shaw all enduring lengthy absences on the sidelines, their campaign has been hindered by injuries.
With one piece missing, “We’re trying to build a puzzle here,” added Cushing. Even with all the injured players, it has been difficult for us to finish it.
Due to the injury issues, City defender Laia Aleixandri has frequently played out of position this season. “Difficult circumstances, a lot of injuries, but that’s not a reason to give up.” We made an effort until the very last second; we must continue and improve.
Future of a shing is still uncertain.
Cushing, who helped City win their first and only WSL title in 2016 along with four other significant trophies, is no stranger to living outside of the Champions League.
He acknowledged that it was painful. This is in line with the expectations we set at the start of the season and what we can expect, but it’s football, and it’s a challenging situation, I told the group.
The club has stated they are willing to do whatever, but it’s not yet known whether the 40-year-old will stay at City after the end of the current season.
The former New York City FC boss returned to Manchester to try to instill some stability, and there were encouraging signs, but he ultimately did not have enough time to make a change.
Because of how deeply ingrained this team is in me, I’ll be involved in the review process. When asked about his City future, Cushing declared, “I will be involved unless they tell me otherwise.”
“I will always have a strong bond with this team.” It means something to me emotionally. I have always followed this organization while I’ve been in America.
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