Source: SKY_Sports
Hughes proud of players
Mark Hughes struggled to pick fault with his Manchester City squad following their exit from the Uefa Cup.[LNB] The Blues crashed out of Europe on Thursday despite a gallant effort against German side Hamburg.[LNB]A 2-1 win at Eastlands saw them come agonisingly close to forcing extra-time, but their failings in the first leg of the quarter-final encounter saw them slip to a 4-3 aggregate defeat.[LNB]Hughes, though, was happy with the effort displayed by his side as they sought to claw their way back into a contest which had appeared to have passed them by.[LNB]"It was a big night for everyone at the club for obvious reasons. We needed to make a statement and I think we did that with the level of our performance," he said.[LNB]"It was important we came out and showed people there are things happening here and we have ability.[LNB]"When in the future we are able to produce it on a regular basis we will be a very difficult side to overcome. It is the beginning of a long journey."[LNB]City fell behind to a 12th minute effort from Paolo Guerrero, as they made the worst possible start, but hit back through an Elano penalty (16) and a second half effort from Felipe Caicedo (50).[LNB]"It was a really poor start but we did not let that affect us. We picked ourselves up and got back on level terms very quickly," added Hughes.[LNB]Special"There was a real sense that we were trying to make something special happen and we almost achieved that goal. But unfortunately we did not get that break when we needed it.[LNB]"We took the game to Hamburg and it was a great effort by everyone. No-one gave us any chance of turning the tie around. We came very close.[LNB]"The sending off (of Richard Dunne on 75 minutes) hampered us but we still kept asking questions of the opposition.[LNB]"They are a good side but struggled to stay in the game. That shows what we have been able to produce."[LNB]Hamburg boss Martin Jol was relieved to have secured a safe passage through to the semi-finals, but the former Tottenham coach felt his side were deserving of their success over the course of the two legs.[LNB]He said: "We started off very well and the goal helped a lot. Then we had a penalty given against us, which was a bit harsh.[LNB]"We knew if they got another goal it would be exciting again and that is what happened.[LNB]"But they did not score a third and that was great. I think over two legs we were the better side."[LNB]
