After being named on the bench for last Sunday’s Manchester derby, Rebecca Knaak was handed her first start of the season against Paris Saint-Germain.
The City centre back was superb in our title run-in at the end of our last campaign, but an injury sustained in the summer has delayed her season until now.
Fans were understandably delighted to see her back and she was delighted to get such a welcome.
“I heard that and I felt that and I’m a very emotional person so I almost get like tears in my eyes every time these moments happen,” she said.
“So I really appreciate the fans and I think especially after the special last season I can really feel it from the City fans.
“That’s why for me it’s just like the biggest thing to be here in the stadium in our home arena with the fans, so it means a lot to me.”
Knaak was thrust into the spotlight in a big UWCL game at the Joie Stadium, but despite some pre-match nerves, it’s a moment she’s been waiting for.
“I’m so happy, and a bit relieved,” she added. “When you have been out for a while, it always feels a bit different to come back and start a game.
“I knew this was a big night in the Champions League, but I’m happy I had the trust to start the game and get 60 minutes.”
When Bunny Shaw struck home from the penalty spot in the 85th minute, it appeared we were on course for our first win in the UWCL this season.
However, for the second time in a few days, we were pegged back right at the end, this time via a Tara Elimbi Gilbert goal.
“Every team plays differently [in the Champions League], and the mentality and playing styles are different in every country,” Knaak said.
“We played well for large periods of the game, but it’s just the small percentages we are missing at the moment, and we are working really hard to get a win over the line in the Champions League.”
