“We’ll be giving everything until the final whistle,” insists Manning as Bristol City suffer defeat in play-off first leg | OneFootball

Bristol City suffered a 0-3 home defeat to Sheffield United in the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-finals, with a controversial first-half red card proving to be a turning point as it led to the visitors’ opening goal. Manager Liam Manning admitted the game was already challenging with eleven men, even more so after being reduced to ten.

“Yeah, extremely difficult,” said the head coach.

“You know, the start of the second half, we fought for 20 minutes. We controlled them okay. And it, you know, it becomes difficult because you don’t want to become passive, but you know, you also have an eye on – you can’t open up, you know, you saw the danger they had when it was 11 v 11.”

“So it becomes about that, trying to deny space, you have to stay aggressive. I didn’t like the goals we conceded. But yeah, like I said, it’s hard enough 11 v 11. So when you’re 10 v 11, it becomes pretty difficult.”

Manning also highlighted the importance of home support, praising the fans for sticking with the team through a challenging night.

“Fans were top, top. They’ll feel the emotion that we do. You know, they’ll have seen it back. I think fans are incredible. So massive. Thank you.”

“I got the guide for them, and it should be such a special evening. It’s not about losing. I think, you know, credit to Sheffield United. They have to get it over the line. There are bits we needed to do better, of course. But yeah, it’s just left a bitter taste, I think, for everybody associated with the club.”

The second leg on Monday offers Manning and his side a fresh opportunity to produce a historic result and keep their promotion hopes alive.

“Until the final whistle goes on Monday, we’ll be fighting, we’ll be giving everything. And that’s the message to the lads there that, like I said, they’re very down and gutted.”

“But you know, I know the group, I see the group, they’ll hurt tonight and be in tomorrow. And it’s one of those, like I said, the beauty of sport. There are so many, yes, so many examples of people coming back as underdogs fighting. And like I said, we’ll be giving everything until the final whistle goes on Monday.“