Martín Demichelis believes RB Leipzig deserved more from their Champions League defeat to Manchester City and praised his players' performance.

RB Leipzig head coach Martín Demichelis believes his side deserved more than a point following Wednesday's 3-2 Champions League defeat to Manchester City. 

Despite producing an impressive display against the 2023 European champions, the Red Bulls were left empty-handed as Erling Haaland netted his 13th goal in nine outings against them. 

Speaking to DAZN after the final whistle, former City defender Demichelis expressed his frustration at the result, but was full of praise for his players. 

“That's football. I think, in my personal opinion, we deserved more than a point today,” the Argentine said. 

"We produced an outstanding performance today against the team currently second in the Premier League, a team that will probably fight for titles until the very end. 

“I believe today we produced our best performance without the ball, and we were also brave going forward with the ball, creating plenty of chances."

Looking back at how Leipzig lost, Demichelis was particularly frustrated by the way his side conceded. 

“Look we conceded the first goal, which we scored ourselves,” he said, recalling Castello Lukeba's first-half own goal. 

"At that moment, I don't think Manchester City had even a shot on goal.

“On the other hand, Haaland wasn't involved in the game, and in the end he scores the third goal. That's football.”

As a result of the defeat, Leipzig are left with just three points from their opening four outings on their return to European football. Still, Demichelis believes that the performance demonstrated that his side can compete at a very high level. 

"I know that three points from four games isn't enough. But the way we played today, that's exactly what this team needs to show in every game.

"It was very bitter. It's a very sad moment for the players, but I simply congratulated the players. That's the way forward. 

“And that's the kind of performance we need to show in this international competition. Today was a proper Champions League game.”

With the Red Bulls still harbouring hopes of reaching the playoffs, Demichelis urged his squad to “take confidence from a performance like that”, adding that Leipzig “always keep going.”

For now, attention turns to Augsburg on Saturday, before Leipzig have the chance to bounce back against RC Lens in Europe at the end of the month.