Manchester City have announced their intentions far earlier than most rivals, and captain Alex Greenwood made that crystal clear during the pre‑season. She said, “A true champion is someone who goes back and wins again. A winner might be a one‑off, but a champion repeats the feat.” Starting the new campaign with two consecutive victories – a feat no other side has managed so far – underlines Greenwood’s belief that there is a fundamental difference between simply winning a match and building a lasting championship legacy. To become a champion, a team must constantly improve, reinforcing each success with the next one.
After the first two rounds of fixtures, only one club sits atop the table with a perfect points tally, a scenario that has not been seen in the Women’s Super League since 2015. The defending champions have already positioned themselves as the team to beat, seizing the momentum of the season’s opening leg with the poise of seasoned professionals. Their rivals from the north side of Manchester have been left trailing in their wake. Greenwood herself has been a model of consistency under the guidance of manager Ander Jeglertz.
The real strength of this Manchester City side lies in how each individual component blends together to form a cohesive whole, driven by a single guiding principle: “We always find a way.” Speaking at the club’s training base before the first ball was even kicked, the 32‑year‑old captain explained that her mindset for the season would be different this time around. “Because we are title‑holders, I could have been complacent,” she said, “but that’s not how I approach it.” “I needed a mental switch‑off,” Greenwood continued. “This summer I had complete freedom – no training schedule, no travel, just a break – and it left me feeling refreshed.
I can’t recall the last time I had such an extended period away from football, and I truly enjoyed it.” Her summer off the pitch brought several personal milestones, most notably her engagement to long‑time partner Jack. The proposal story itself was a comedy of errors. “Honestly, on the day I tried to cancel our plans,” she laughed, “I wasn’t in the mood to go out. Jack had already paid a hefty deposit on the restaurant, kept his cool, and the evening turned out to be amazing.” Beyond the romance, Greenwood described the break as a “necessary reset.” As captain, she is constantly juggling multiple responsibilities, never fully able to switch off from the high standards she sets for herself and the squad.
It’s akin to an endless homework assignment that never quite ends. “I’m not the type of person who can just turn everything off,” she admitted.
“I spend the majority of my time reflecting. I needed that break because a captain has a huge role off the pitch as well.
Fortunately, we have an open dressing‑room environment where everyone can speak their mind. I’m not the only one with authority to make big decisions.” Looking back at last season evokes pleasant memories for the club. City dominated the league, taking the WSL lead as early as November and eventually clinching their first title in ten years.
The football on display was freer, more inventive, and guided by Jeglertz’s philosophy rather than constrained by it. Reinvention was evident across the pitch – from player to player, match to match. Opponents often entered games unsure of what to expect, unable to predict City’s ever‑evolving patterns. Even on days when the performance was not spectacular, the team usually managed to secure the three points.
When asked about pressure, Greenwood said, “I get asked a lot about pressure, especially after certain results last season that created high‑stakes moments. We don’t enjoy losing, but we were in control for most of the campaign.
That control helped our preparation. We faced setbacks, but we always had a safety net.
That’s why we always find a way.” City now possess a certain edge – a brand of tenacity that felt missing in previous title runs. The squad did not require a wholesale overhaul; instead, Jeglertz introduced subtle tweaks that yielded significant outcomes.
He describes his approach as “never being satisfied,” an insatiable drive to refine every detail. “Andy is very open to challenge,” Greenwood added. “He invites us to test him and each other.
The league is incredibly competitive, and teams have strengthened a lot over the summer. We remind each other that we are winners, and that fuels our desire to stay that way. At the same time, we have huge respect for the quality of the opposition we face.” Manchester City currently ride a wave of momentum.
They have devised multiple solutions for a variety of tactical problems, and the days when their mental toughness was questioned after a single slip‑up seem far behind them. The new challenge is to maintain these standards across all competitions, especially as they embark on a demanding European schedule.
“I live for European nights,” Greenwood said, expressing frustration at having to watch last season’s Champions League matches from her living room. “Do you know how hard it is to sit on the couch and watch those games when you’re not on the pitch?” These concerns reach far beyond pre‑season speculation. How will City handle the increased workload?
Can they adapt to the relentless rhythm of three games a week? Does the squad have enough depth and quality to compete on every front? “We weren’t there last year, and we have to use that feeling to our advantage,” Greenwood insisted.
“We cannot waste this opportunity.” After a decade of chasing the secret to sustained WSL success, City now have all the ingredients needed to stay at the top: a state‑of‑the‑art £10 million training complex, an inspirational manager with lofty ambitions, and an influx of talent ready for top‑flight football. And of course there is Bunny Shaw, the PFA Player of the Year, who has already started the season in scintillating form. In a league where consistency has already hampered many of their biggest rivals, Manchester City’s resolve appears stronger than ever. They are determined not to be a one‑hit wonder.
The hard work they have invested over the years is aimed at being recognized as genuine champions, not merely as occasional winners. Watch Manchester City versus Liverpool live on Sky Sports+ this Friday, with kickoff at 7 p.m. (6.30 p.m. start).