Swift response is required by City

BACARY Sagna admitted Manchester City lacked fight as they were dumped out of the Champions League in Monaco.

City surrendered their 5-3 first-leg advantage as they lost 3-1 at Stade Louis II, exiting the competition at the last-16 stage on away goals.

The loss realistically leaves the FA Cup as City's only remaining route to silverware this season, but a quick response is required ahead of a vital Premier League clash against top-four rivals Liverpool on Sunday.

Right-back Sagna said: "It is a massive disappointment. We forgot to play in the first half, we forgot to fight as a team, defend as a team and press as a team. We gave them too much respect and against these kind of players, we put ourselves in danger. We have to congratulate them, they are through.

"We are out and we have to recover because on Sunday we have an important game.

"I expect a reaction from the team. I expect more desire, to show more passion.

"We did show passion in the second half but it is not enough.

"We have to recover because it was quite a difficult game and then we have to think about Liverpool."

All three goals City conceded in France raised questions about their defence, particularly the winner, when Bakayoko was allowed to rise unchallenged to head home Thomas Lemar's free-kick 13 minutes from time.

Sagna said: "We (said at half-time we) couldn't keep going this way or we are out.

"We had to go on the front step and we had to give them problems.

"We changed the system and I think it worked quite well, we managed to create more chances, but unfortunately we didn't score (enough).

"We knew they had quality, they are probably the most scoring team in Europe at the minute. We knew they had quality players, we knew they had dangerous players.

"We conceded six goals over two games. It is never easy to take but we have to, unfortunately."