City’s Under-19s travel to Mainz for our Round of 16 clash at the Bruchwegstadion which will kick-off at 17:00 (UK) and will be available to watch on live CITY+.
And with Mainz having sold out their stadium for their knockout win over Barcelona U19s earlier this month, City expect another spinetingling atmosphere in Germany on Tuesday evening, but Wright says the team are prepared.
“It’s a big moment, a big learning curve,” began Wright.
“It’s going to be the first time for a lot of the players that will have played in front of big crowds like that, big aggressive crowds as well as times that are getting behind their players.
“But some of us have the experience of last year at Hajduk Split so I think we have got a good amount of experience heading into that game and we’ll be well prepared.
“I’ve really enjoyed it the challenge of the Youth League this season.
“It’s something every player wants to do when they’re at their pro level, to play in the Champions League, it’s the biggest tournament in the world.
“And to be able to experience that at youth level and play against the best teams in the world is something that players can only dream of and we’re really excited by the prospect of it.
“Playing in front of thousands of fans going mental is what you do it for, you fully embrace it and enjoy it.
“The whole team can’t wait for it, we’re all buzzing for it. We’re really ready and more importantly we want to get to the next round.”
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Wright, who has featured in five of City’s Youth League group games earlier in the campaign, has also been a key figure in City’s Premier League 2 and FA Youth Cup journeys.
And the 18-year-old is in fine form having scored a phenomenal decisive free-kick in the final minutes of City’s 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur to see us advance to the final four of the FA Youth Cup.
And he’s hoping to transfer his experience from those competitions and his senior debut for the Club in City’s 5-0 FA Cup win over Huddersfield Town to help the Under-19s progress to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Youth League.
“It’s been a very good season for me personally but to be honest it’s more about the team and getting to the next round of the Youth League,” said Wright.
“Being around it [senior set-up] every day you get to learn about their mentality and how hungry you have to be and how to gain an edge over your opponents.
“Hopefully with my leadership skills I can start to bring that into our group and drag them through in the tough times but also embrace them, ready them in training with the intensity levels so that our football can do the talking.”
