Hemp: City out to make Champions League statement ahead of Paris FC trip | OneFootball

Lauren Hemp says City are eager and hungry to make a statement ahead of Wednesday’s key UEFA Women’s Champions League second round qualifying first leg tie away to Paris FC.

City have been paired with the French side in a two-legged decider for a place in the group stages.

Gareth Taylor’s squad will head out for the French capital tomorrow ahead of Wednesday’s first leg encounter (kick-off 17.45pm UK) with the decider to be staged at the Joie Stadium next Thursday (September 26, 19.00pm UK).

It’s a huge encounter for what will be City’s first senior competitive game of the 2024/25 season.

City suffered disappointment both in 2021 and 2022 in the Champions League going out at the qualifying stage to Real Madrid on both occasions.

This time round, Hemp says there is an even greater desire amongst the players to ensure City get the job done with the squad sharing a united hunger for success this term .

“We have big ambitions to win this season across all competitions and it all starts on Wednesday with the first Champions League game,” the England international declared.

“We’re all feeling fresh and ready to go to make a statement in the Champions League.

“I signed for City because I want to win trophies, and I believe this is a club that can do that.

“It’s so important that we get past this stage.

“[We have] learned from previous years the difference we need to make and we have an experienced squad that have been in World Cup finals and in Champions League games at latter stage.

“We know what it takes to win.

“Paris FC are a great team. We’ve analysed them and we’re fully prepared. They have knocked out big teams in the past and down well in the Champions League in previous years.

"[We are] not taking it lightly and well prepared.

“We’re all up for it.”

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With City enjoying the advantage of being seeded it means the all-important second leg will be at home and Hemp says that could prove a crucial factor in determining who goes through to the group stages.

“It’s really exciting. I used to always love the home Champions league game of an evening under the lights,” Hemp added.

“It’s a great place in Paris to go but hopefully it will be beneficial for us having the second leg at home.

“Hopefully we’ll have all the home fans backing us and get a good crowd. Its’ good going there hopefully getting a good result and take it home."