Jeremy Doku: Man City Will Bounce Back from Champions League Exit

Jeremy Doku optimistic about Man City's season prospects

Jeremy Doku believes Manchester City can still have a successful season despite Champions League exit to Real Madrid. City winger Doku confident in team's ability to bounce back from UCL defeat.

Doku says Manchester City's focus now shifts to EFL Cup final against Arsenal at Wembley...

Jeremy Doku is optimistic about Manchester City's chances despite their Champions League exit, stating they showed enough quality against Real Madrid to have a successful season. City lost 2-1 at home, with captain Bernardo Silva getting sent off early on, but Doku believes there's positives to take from the game.

Pep Guardiola's team now focuses on the League Cup final against Arsenal at Wembley on Sunday, with Doku saying it's a “good cure” for their European woes. “We'll do everything to win that game and to win a trophy,” he added.

Real Madrid secured a 2-1 win at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium, sealing a 5-1 aggregate victory and advancing to the Champions League quarter-finals. The match was marked by captain Bernardo Silva's red card for handball, leaving City down to 10 men.

This defeat adds to City's tough recent run, following a draw at West Ham and leaving them nine points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal. City will now focus on domestic competitions, including the EFL Cup final against Arsenal and an FA Cup quarter-final showdown with Liverpool.

Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku is confident that team morale remains high despite their Champions League exit, and they're focused on the EFL Cup final against Arsenal at Wembley on Sunday. Doku emphasized that the team is looking inward, focusing on their own improvement rather than comparing themselves to others.

Pep Guardiola's side has been impressive, and Doku believes they're playing some of the best football in the league. The team's recent 3-0 win over Liverpool showcases their strength, and they're determined to bring home the trophy.

“We played well (against Real),” he said. “We played well with 11 against 11 and 10 against 11. We created chances.

“I feel like if we play like that every game, we'll put many teams in trouble. There are some good things to take out of this game to the next one.”

“We will be back!” 💪@JeremyDoku praises your support following our defeat to Real Madrid this evening. pic.twitter.com/vPg74br7sJ

— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 17, 2026

The 23-year-old Belgian winger added: “There's still a lot to play for. We're still in three competitions, three trophies to win.

“If we do that, it's still going to be a great season.”

Turning to the League Cup final, Doku reckoned it was “a good cure” for City's European woes. “We'll do everything to win that game and to win a trophy,” he said.

City started well on Tuesday, but were dealt a huge blow when captain skipper Silva was sent off after 20 minutes for handling a Vinicius Junior shot on the line.

Vinicius scored from the ensuing penalty and, although Erling Haaland equalised for City, defeat on the night was confirmed when Vinicius grabbed his second goal in stoppage time.

Doku insisted Silva had the full support of his City teammates.

"Obviously, he's disappointed,” he said. “Knowing him, I know he takes it very personally.

“But even after it, we stood there, we were in the game. He's disappointed, but we're all there for him. We know his contribution to the team is massive.

“We can be proud of our performance. Playing against a big team like that, 10 against 11, and still performing like we did, still putting them into trouble. Not every team can do that.”