London City’s European ambitions remain despite defeat by Manchester City

London City Lionesses’ 2-1 defeat by Manchester City has not dampened their ambition to reach European football, but the club’s chief executive says they are still developing the squad and infrastructure needed to compete there regularly.

The newly promoted side had 24 shots at Hayes Lane on Sunday, with six on target, but goals from Khadija Shaw and Lauren Hemp gave defending champions City the win. London City had played in the second tier only 18 months ago.

Manager Eder Maestre said the result was frustrating because he felt his side had not received what its performance deserved. He said City were more mature and experienced, and that London City’s players became nervous when they needed to be more clinical.

Chief executive Martin Semmens told BBC Sport that the club’s ambition was to play in Europe every year and compete with teams such as Barcelona and Arsenal. He said London City were “probably one step behind” in squad development and other areas, while adding that the club believed it could beat leading sides on its day.

Even qualifying would not guarantee a place in Europe. UEFA rules on clubs under the same ownership could prevent both London City and Lyon, another club owned by Michele Kang, from competing in the same competition. Semmens said the club respected the rules but believed there were “logical, structured ways” for both to compete in Europe next season.

London City have invested heavily in players and built a training facility in Kent. Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas, a three-time Ballon d’Or winner, joined this summer. The defeat offered evidence of the side’s potential, but also of the finishing and consistency it will need to turn that promise into results.