Football
Jonathan Smith, Manchester City correspondent 6y

Man City's Zinchenko: I must learn from mistakes vs. Newcastle

Oleksandr Zinchenko claims he has a lot to learn after making his first Premier League start in Manchester City's 3-1 win over Newcastle United on Saturday.

The Ukraine international was caught out of position when Jacob Murphy raced through to pull a goal back for the Magpies.

Zinchenko could be in line for more game time with City short of left-back options after Fabian Delph was ruled out "for a while" with a knee problem, while Benjamin Mendy is still around three months away from returning from a cruciate knee ligament injury.

The 21-year-old, who spent last season on loan at PSV Eindhoven, is more familiar in an attacking wide role and says he need to improve in his new position.

"Firstly I am happy for the team, and then I have to look at my own game," he told reporters. "I made a lot of mistakes but I am still learning but for me it was important that we won.

"At 2-1 it was a dangerous situation but we showed a good reaction to get the third goal and get more confidence -- the last 10 minutes we controlled the ball.

"To be honest I am not so young -- 21 is a good age. For example, Brazilian Ronaldo at 20 was already one of the best players in the world. So 21 is not so young.

"It's a big pleasure to be part of this team. Before, when I didn't play for a long time it was not so easy but I had to be professional and wait for my chance.

"This season is not so easy but we can win every title -- we have to keep going and we are on the right path.

"Full-back here is a special position because sometimes you have to go inside to control the ball. We are still learning, and you have to be focused all the time."

Zinchenko has started City's last three games in the Carabao Cup and could get the call again for their semifinal second leg at Championship club Bristol City on Tuesday.

He warned they must be careful with the tie still in the balance after their 2-1 win at the Etihad and facing a club that has already beaten four Premier League sides, including Manchester United in the last round.

"We already know about them as the first game was not so easy," Zinchenko added. "They defended well and at Bristol it will be a more difficult game than here.

"United losing there was a surprise for us but to be honest everyone who watched the game could see Bristol City played well. They have showed they can beat us."

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