Despite a frustrating 2-1 loss away to RB Leipzig in Tuesday’s Group A finale, City can reflect on a job well down overall.
Though being pitted in a tough group also featuring Paris Saint-Germain and Club Brugge, we finished top of the table, sealing our place in the last-16 with a game to spare.
And Zinchenko says looking ahead to resumption of Champions League action in the knockout stages, City are eager to emulate last season’s landmark achievement which saw us reach the final for the first time in the Club’s history.
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“It is a big achievement for the club (to reach the last-16 once again). We have got the experience [of the knockout stages],” Zinchenko declared.
“Last season we got to the final and everyone is so hungry for more.
“It has been so tough (in the group stages) and we knew that it was going to be so difficult to go through.
“We knew it was going to be so difficult to play against these kinds of teams like you have seen on Tuesday.
“Leipzig did well and we knew it was going to be tough. We didn’t get what we came for, but the most important thing is that we went through.
“We can analyse what didn’t go right. We don’t have enough time to be sad [about the result] as we need to move on.
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“The most important thing is that we are through to the knockout stages of the Champions League and we have to be ready.”
The side that stepped out at the RB Arena showed seven changes from the starting line-up in last Saturday’s 3-1 Premier League win at Watford.
However, it was still packed full of international talent.
And according to Zinchenko, that merely further emphasised the quality and depth contained within Pep Guardiola’s squad.
“Like I said before, we have unbelievable players in our team, and everyone is working so hard for their place here,” the Ukrainian international added.
“Everyone is waiting for their chance, and I am so lucky that I am a small part of this club.
“I can learn every single day from everyone here, from the coaching staff, from all of the players.
“It is a massive pleasure to be here.”
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