The Blues have one toe in the European semi-finals, following a last eight first leg win at Fortuna Hjorring, but have just two days to prepare for Sunday’s domestic cup trip to Bristol City.
The 2016 double-winners were drawn against the Vixens in the FA Cup quarter-finals and – having never reached the final stage – Cushing has urged his side to forget about their Champions League heroics and focus on the task at hand.
He stated: “I said to the players after the game (in Denmark): I want to get to an FA Cup semi-final as much as I want to get to a Champions League final.
“I know the players share that desire. Our focus is on that game now – I’ll watch Bristol matches on the plane on the way home; then we’ll set the gameplan, the players will focus on rest and recovery and on Saturday, we’ll travel to Bristol and put the gameplan in to win that game.”
Reflecting on Thursday night’s Champions League victory, Cushing declared: “It was a very professional performance from us. We had spoken about that before the game.
“We’re young in the Champions League and we haven’t had many away games, so to grow the mentality and game management was the key thing. To come away with a win was really pleasing.
“We wanted to set a solid base, starting the game off with a solid defensive structure. We’re known for that.
“Although we like to play, we don’t ship a lot of goals in. we wanted that again in Denmark and we did it. We’re really pleased.”
The clash at the Bredband Nord Arena heralded Carli Lloyd’s first goal for her new club – on her European debut.
Cushing was delighted to see his new recruit off the mark, but admitted he was not surprised.
“I think she thinks she should have scored before that!” he laughed, “but I’ve spoken before about the mentality of Carli Lloyd.
“That wouldn’t have fazed her – it didn’t – and she popped up with a header.
“That’s what we brought her to the football club for – for the big occasions and the big games – and she’s proven us right.”
In terms of his plans for the second leg against Fortuna, Cushing added his side’s mentality remains the same.
“Nothing changes from our approach,” he continued. “You could see that in Denmark.
“We tried to press them, get on the front foot and be aggressive defensively. With the ball, we created a lot of chances and dominated.
“I expect the same of the second leg. At home, we want to entertain our fans just as much as we want to win the game.
“Our fans are excellent. It’s the same group that support us through thick and thin, following us home and away.
“I always go back to that Arsenal game (in 2015) where we had one day to prepare for it and they travelled there. It doesn’t surprise me they travelled to Denmark.
“We really value them and we’re glad we got the win for them.”
