French side Lyon won a fifth successive European crown, beating Wolfsburg 3-1 in last weekend’s final.
Walsh and her team-mates had to watch the action unfold in San Sebastian, Spain from back home with City having been eliminated earlier in the competition by Atletico Madrid.
But, ahead of this Saturday’s start of the 2020/21 FA Women’s Super League campaign, Walsh revealed how being forced to look on at the action unfolding in Spain had only served to increase her motivation to help City secure significant silverware this term
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“With this squad we want to compete for all the top trophies and watching the recent Women’s Champions League with us not being there that’s definitely been a driver,” the City and England midfielder admitted.
“It has been so frustrating watching the games on TV thinking we could have been there in their shoes.
“The manager has also put an emphasis on the fact that we can win two FA Cups in one season and I don’t think that has ever happened before.
“We’re going to push on even harder this year and hopefully we can go one better.”
With last season’s FA Cup campaign still to be completed, it promises to be a long and demanding season for the players.
City, of course, have already brought in exciting new additions in American World Cup winning duo Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle as well as leading young English striker Chloe Kelly.
For her part, Walsh believes their arrival will further cement the core belief and winning mentality.
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But ahead of Saturday’s eagerly-awaited league opener away to Aston Villa Women, Walsh also stressed how important every single member so Taylor’s squad would be over the course of the campaign.
“We wanted to bring in world class players but it’s going to be about the squad as we might have 50 games so this season will definitely be about squad rotation,” the England midfielder asserted.
“It’s the squad that is going to help us to win games and hopefully bring trophies back to Manchester.
“We’ve brought in some world class players. Chloe and Sam have fitted in really well. And though Rose hasn’t been in yet and it will be nice to have her around the squad.
“Sam and Rose have experienced winning so many trophies not least the World Cup, so they are going to help with the mentality and held drive the team forward.
“With Sam I already feel like I have known her for ages. She’s just a nice person and a great addition already.”
The immediate focus is on a winning start at Walsall’s Banks’s Stadium with City looking to bounce back in positive fashion after last weekend’s frustrating loss in the Women’s Community Shield to Chelsea.
For her part Walsh says there is a sense and excitement and anticipation and, after an eight-week build up over the summer post lockdown, she believes the squad is in perfect shape for the challenges ahead.
“We’re all looking forward to the start of the Women’s Super League,” Walsh continued.
“I think we’ve come back in better shape than ever. We’ve got two top sports scientists who have kept us in great shape and because the season is going to be so long pre-season has not been the hardest.
“But we’ve got so many games ahead we didn’t need that.
“It’s not going to be the same without the fans but hopefully we can get some points on the board so that when they do come back, we’re in a good position in the table.
“Our targets for a good season would be winning every trophy – the expectation for this team is no less than that.”
