LONDON – From Omobolaji Oyegunle Super Eagles invitee Kelechi Iheanacho is backing Manchester City to bounce back from their Southampton humiliation by beating Real Madrid tonight.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side were held to a goalless draw in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Etihad last week, and are likely to face a fit-again Cristiano Ronaldo in the Bernabeu.
The Blues were on the wrong end of a 4-2 thrashing at St Mary’s on Sunday and Iheanacho is desperate to make amends by reaching the final in Milan on May 28.
The Nigerian said: “We need to put it behind us. The game is gone and not coming back.
“We lost and we need to focus on the Madrid game. It is going to be a big challenge for us but we will keep our heads down and keep working hard to get to the final.
“This game didn’t give us confidence for Wednesday but we will put it behind us and focus on Wednesday.
“So many things went wrong in the game. We lost too many balls and we didn’t defend very well.
“We lost so we are not happy but we will put it behind us and come back harder.
“We have two games left now we should keep focus and win them so we can get top four for Champions League next season.”
Iheanacho was City’s best player and was rewarded with both his side’s goals on the south coast.
The 19-year-old has netted seven times in little over 600 minutes of top flight action this season but admits the goals mean nothing if his side do not finish in the top four.
He added:” they were great goals which were important for me and the team but unfortunately we lost. They don’t mean anything when we lose.
“I’m pleased with my performance getting goals in the Premier League and happy coming to the first team this season. I will work hard to score more in Europe.
“I’m working hard to convince the team I should be in the team on Wednesday. It would be a dream come true for me to go to the Bernabeu.
“If I play I need to work hard for the team and help them qualify for the finals if we get the goals.”
