Mary Fowler cops ugly new blow as Football Australia boss responds to move with Nathan Cleary

Mary Fowler and Manchester City have qualified for the Women's Champions League knockout stage, but have hit a worrying patch of poor form. The English powerhouse were crushed by Barcelona 3-0 on Wednesday night, with Fowler largely unsighted and Matildas teammate Alanna Kennedy suffering more torment.

Kennedy was hooked at half-time in City's shock loss to Everton in the Super League earlier this week, and the veteran defender didn't fare much better against Barca. City's defence was run ragged by the defending European champions, who scored goals through Claudia Pina, Aitor Bonmati and Alexia Putellas.

Barcelona had 30 shots to just three in a hugely one-sided contest at the Olympic Stadium, with Fowler barely getting a touch up front. City have been ravaged by injuries in recent weeks, forcing Fowler into a more unfamiliar striking role.

On Wednesday night, Kennedy gave the ball away three times before her failure to clear a fourth time gifted the ball straight to Pina for Barca's first goal. Putellas, who had won the previous two Women's Ballons d'Or gongs before Bonmati won two in a row, put the result to bed with her shot from outside the area in the 67th minute.

City had been leading the group before the loss to Barca. Both sides finished on 15 points in the group stage, but the Spanish club grabbed top spot with a superior goal difference.

Football Australia backs Mary Fowler's call to take break

The second loss in a row continues a worrying slide for Fowler and Kennedy at City. Fowler recently returned to action after deciding to withdraw from Matildas friendlies against Brazil and Chinese Taipei last month.

The 21-year-old cited a need to recharge her batteries due to a busy club and international schedule, while wanting to prioritise her physical and mental health. As photos on social media showed this week, Fowler used the time off to take a quick getaway to the Gold Coast with NRL star boyfriend Nathan Cleary.

And speaking on Wednesday, Football Australia boss James Johnson said he had no problem with Fowler's decision to step away. "Mary had a health issue that we needed to support her on," Johnson told Channel 10. "And we're supportive of her needing to have a short break.

"I think the challenge is around the international calendar for the women's game is really heavy now. It's great leadership by Mary to put her hand up and say 'I need a break and I need to get my head and body right'."

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Mary Fowler dealing with extra spotlight and scrutiny

As well as a gruelling schedule with Manchester City and the Matildas, Fowler is also dealing with the extra spotlight created by Australia's run to the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup last year. She's also in a high-profile relationship with Cleary that draws daily headlines.

Matildas teammate Caitlin Foord said last month: “That’s the way the game is going. There’s a lot more games, there’s a lot more demands on us to play. I mean, this is where every female footballer has wanted the game to go.

"The scheduling – that’s obviously up to the leagues and the federations to discuss on how that should be, but for us to play and play games is all we’ve ever wanted. We have that support. We have the networks you need, if it’s mental, physical support you need, we have options for all of that. As it should be, everyone has that option to get the support that they need.”