Brian Barry Murphy’s side exited Europe at the last 16 stage out in Croatia in Tuesday as we suffered a frustrating 2-1 defeat away to Hajduk Split.
It was tough on the City youngsters who dominated possession, territory and chances amidst a raucous and partisan atmosphere in a game played front of more than 15,000 fans at Split’s Stadion Poljud.
But Samuel says the squad’s focus is now very much trained on Friday’s return to domestic action in East London, in a match which will be screened live on CITY and Recast, with City seeking to maintain our lead at the top of the table as we seek a third consecutive PL2 title.
“I feel like the game on Friday gives us a chance to show what we are all about again and a chance to show we are still one of the best teams,” the exciting young defender declared.
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“Playing away at Hajduk Split was a great experience though obviously not the result we wanted.
“I think we all gained a lot from the game with the atmosphere, and I think in the long term it will help us, both going into next season and I think also for the rest of this season too.
“I’d never experienced a crowd like that before. It was crazy. When I came back out after the warmup and saw the crowd, I thought: ‘What is this?’
“I thought we put on a very good team performance, but they just had a plan which they stuck to and it paid off for them.
“Now though we need to focus on the league and look to try and kick on and win it again.”
Samuel has enjoyed a magnificent season to date.
Despite still only being 16, he has been elevated from the Under 18s to become a regular feature in our Under 21 squad and has also impressed in our FA Youth Cup campaign.
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Having put in another outstanding individual display out in Croatia, Lakyle’s focus is now trained on the Hammers clash before thoughts then turn to next Tuesday’s FA Youth Cup quarter final at home to Oxford United.
It’s an intense and demanding schedule, and one that is replicated for our Under 18s too with Ben Wilkinson’s youngsters also targeting another Premier League title.
But though the games keep coming thick and fast for the City youngsters, Samuel says it’s challenge he is relishing.
“We flew back from Croatia on Tuesday, recovered Wednesday, travelled to London on Thursday, and will go again Friday night at West Ham and then there is the FA Youth Cup next Tuesday too,” Lakyle pointed out.
“So, it’s very quick turnarounds but it’s great as you want to keep playing and get into the rhythm.
“We just need to recover well and then get back into the flow and see what happens.
“I don’t really think people expected us to do as well as we have done this season, but we have just got on with our work and tried to kick on.
“And there is a lot to look forward to with the Under 21s, the Under 18s and the FA Youth Cup. It’s very exciting.”
