Manchester City have announced their intentions far earlier than most of their competitors, a sentiment voiced by captain Alex Greenwood during the pre‑season period. She remarked, "A genuine champion is someone who keeps winning, not just once but repeatedly. A winner may achieve a single triumph, but a champion proves themselves over and over again." This declaration sets a high bar for the club and underscores a clear distinction between merely winning a match and establishing a lasting legacy.
Kicking off the new campaign with two consecutive victories – a feat no other side has managed so far – serves as a practical illustration of Greenwood's philosophy. The early points haul places City at the summit of the table after the first two rounds, a situation that has not occurred in the Women's Super League since 2015. The defending champions are already positioning themselves as the team to beat, taking the lead in the title race with the poise and professionalism of seasoned campaigners, while their city rivals are left scrambling in their wake. Greenwood has become a model of consistency under the guidance of manager Andree Jeglertz.
The true strength of this Manchester City side lies in the way every individual component blends into a cohesive whole, unified by a single guiding principle: "We always find a way." In a conversation at the club's training base, the 32‑year‑old captain explained that her mindset for the season would be approached differently this time around. She dismissed any notion that being title‑holders would allow complacency, insisting that the squad must remain hungry and focused. "I needed a mental switch‑off," Greenwood said. "This summer I had complete freedom – no training schedule, no travel commitments – and that reset left me feeling incredibly fresh.
I can't recall the last time I enjoyed such an extended break, so it was a real privilege." The period of rest also brought personal milestones. Greenwood became engaged to her long‑term partner, Jack, an event that added a layer of joy to her summer.
She recounted how she almost cancelled their celebratory dinner, only for Jack to keep the plans a secret and surprise her with a reservation he had already paid for. Beyond the romance, Greenwood described the hiatus as a "necessary reset". As captain, she constantly juggles multiple responsibilities, feeling as though she has "tabs open" at all times and never fully disconnects from the high standards she sets for herself and the team.
She likened the role to an endless homework assignment, requiring constant reflection and mental preparation. "I'm not the type of person who can completely switch off," she admitted.
"I spend most of my time thinking about the game, reflecting on performances, and planning ahead. A break was essential because a captain's influence extends far beyond the pitch.
Fortunately, we have an incredibly close dressing‑room environment where everyone feels comfortable speaking up. Decision‑making is a shared responsibility, not just mine." Reflecting on the previous season brings back vivid memories of dominance. City seized the WSL title early in November and secured their first league crown in a decade, playing a brand of football that felt freer and more inventive under Jeglertz's guidance. The team underwent a subtle yet comprehensive reinvention, with each player adapting to new roles and tactical nuances.
Opponents often entered matches unsure of what to expect, as City’s patterns of play evolved continuously, making them a difficult side to prepare for. When asked about pressure, Greenwood explained that the setbacks they experienced last season actually provided a safety net, reinforcing the squad's belief that they could always find a solution.
"We don't enjoy losing, but we were in control of most situations. That control helped us prepare mentally for anything," she said. The current squad possesses a certain edge—a blend of resilience and tactical sharpness—that was sometimes missing in earlier title bids. Jeglertz has introduced subtle adjustments that have yielded significant results, and Greenwood emphasized the manager's relentless pursuit of improvement.
"He's always open to challenges and encourages us to challenge him as well," Greenwood added. "The league has become incredibly competitive this summer, and that excites me.
We constantly remind each other that we are winners, which fuels our desire to stay at the top. At the same time, we have immense respect for the quality of opposition we face." City's momentum is evident, and the team has developed multiple solutions for a wide range of problems.
The days when a single poor result could cast doubt on their mental toughness are behind them. The new challenge lies in maintaining these high standards across all competitions, especially as they embark on a demanding European campaign. "I thrive on European nights," Greenwood confessed, expressing frustration at having watched last season's Champions League fixtures from her living room rather than being on the pitch.
"It's tough to sit on the couch and watch those games when you know you could have been part of them." These reflections raise broader questions about the squad's capacity to handle the intensified schedule ahead. Can City sustain a three‑game‑a‑week rhythm without compromising performance?
Does the depth of the roster allow them to compete on every front? Greenwood believes the answer lies in turning last season's shortcomings into motivation. "We weren't there last year, and we will use that feeling to our advantage. We cannot waste this opportunity," she asserted.
Over the past decade, City have invested heavily in the infrastructure and personnel needed to become perennial champions. A £10 million state‑of‑the‑art training complex, an ambitious manager with clear objectives, a wave of WSL‑ready talent, and a captain who leads by example all combine to create a formidable foundation. Adding to that, the presence of Bunny Shaw—who was named PFA Player of the Year—provides an extra spark. In a league where consistency has already proven elusive for many rivals, Manchester City appear more determined than ever to translate their winning mentality into sustained championship success.
They are not content with being a one‑off success; they aim to cement their status as true champions, a goal that now feels within reach as the season unfolds.