Gareth Taylor says his injury-hit Manchester City side will not be defined by their 3-0 defeat at Barcelona, which saw them lose top spot in Champions League Group D to the holders.
City, who qualified for the quarter-finals as runners-up, struggled without stars Khadija Shaw, Chloe Kelly, Alex Greenwood, Vivianne Miedema and Lauren Hemp, and Barcelona needed to win with two clean sheets to finish above the visitors on goal difference.
“This game is not going to define us. We're going to learn, we're going to get better, we're going to get players back, we're going to get stronger and we're going to move forward,” Taylor said.
“They're a top team, we're trying to do something similar and it takes time to build. We were a bit dysfunctional with and without the ball, (but) the effort from the girls was first class.”
The hosts registered 30 shots, forcing City keeper Khiara Keating into 14 saves, before she was finally beaten just before half-time when Claudia Pina shot clinically from inside the box.
Claudia Pina (left) celebrates after putting Barcelona in front
The closest City came to a goal was when Jill Roord's long-range shot bounced off the crossbar.
Barca grabbed a second just before the hour mark when Aitana Bonmati burst through the City defense and finished through the legs of Keating.
Alexia Putellas soon wrapped up the win just minutes after coming off the bench, firing past an unseen Keating from the edge of the box.
Barcelona's Alexia Putellas shoots in the third
Both sides finished on 15 points, but Barcelona went top thanks to a superior goal difference, meaning City are now in the second knockout group and could face a tougher draw.
Taylor: Defeat will not define us
Man City boss Gareth Taylor said:
“(It was) An incredible effort, we know we weren't functioning and effective in certain areas with and without the ball, but you couldn't fault the effort of the players.
“This match will not define us. We will learn, be better, bring back players, start to strengthen and we will progress. It was difficult. teeth, attacked and pressed us very hard.
“You've got to give them credit, they're a top team, we're trying to do something like that and it takes time to build. We were a bit dysfunctional tonight with and without the ball, the effort from the girls was first class.”
About Khiara Keating: “She was outstanding tonight, she showed a lot of personality and a lot of maturity for someone so young on the biggest stage.”
Champions League quarter-finalists confirmed
The winners of the groups are seeded in the draw for the round of 16. The draw will be played on February 7, and the ties will be played on March 18 and 19 and 26 and 27.
Group winners:
- Lyon
- Chelsea
- Barcelona
- Arsenal
Runners-up:
- Wolfsburg
- Real Madrid
- Manchester City
- Bayern Munich