Manchester City have announced their intentions far earlier than most of their competitors, a confidence that was evident even during the pre‑season when captain Alex Greenwood made a bold statement. She said, "A true champion is someone who goes and wins again. A winner might be one‑off.
But a champion does it over and over." This distinction between a fleeting victor and a sustained champion underpins the narrative surrounding the club as they embark on the new season. Starting the campaign with two consecutive wins – a feat no other side has managed so far – underscores Greenwood's belief that there is a clear line separating a simple winner from a genuine champion. To become a champion, a team must repeatedly prove its worth, consistently backing up previous successes with fresh performances.
The fact that only one team has amassed the maximum points after the first two rounds of this term – something not seen since 2015 – highlights how Manchester City are already positioning themselves as the benchmark in the Women's Super League (WSL). The defending champions have taken the baton and attacked the opening stage of the race with the professionalism of a side that knows what it means to be at the top, leaving their Manchester rivals in the dust. Greenwood herself has been a model of reliability under manager Andree Jeglertz.
The beauty of this Manchester City outfit lies in how the individual parts combine to form a seamless whole, united by a single guiding principle: "We always find a way." In a conversation at the club’s training base, before any ball was even kicked, the 32‑year‑old captain explained that her mindset for the season would be framed differently this time around. She dismissed the notion that simply being title‑holders would grant them any complacency.
"I needed a mental switch‑off," she said, "this summer I had freedom, no schedule, and that is why I feel so fresh now. I can’t remember the last time I got that long off, so I definitely enjoyed it." The summer break proved transformative for Greenwood in more ways than one. She became engaged to her long‑term partner Jack, a personal milestone that added a layer of happiness to her off‑field life.
She recounted the evening of the proposal with a smile, admitting that she initially tried to cancel the plans because she wasn’t in the mood to go out. Jack, however, had already paid a hefty deposit on a restaurant and kept the surprise under wraps, delivering a memorable moment that Greenwood described as "amazing." Beyond romance, Greenwood labeled the summer a "necessary reset." As captain, she carries the weight of constant responsibility – she always has "tabs open" and can never fully switch off from the high standards she sets for herself and her teammates. It feels like an endless homework assignment, she joked, but one that she embraces because of the close‑knit dressing‑room environment. "I’m not the kind of person to turn it all off, I’m on the majority of the time.
I reflect a lot. I needed a break, because a captain has a huge role off the pitch. But I’m lucky with the dressing room we have, we’re very close, it’s an open environment to speak. I’m not the only one with the authority to make big calls." Reflecting on last season brings back fond memories.
City were the dominant force, leading the WSL from early November and ultimately clinching their first league title in a decade. The football they produced was freer and more inventive, guided by Jeglertz's philosophy rather than weighed down by it. Reinvention took place across the pitch – from individual players to entire tactical setups – making opponents uncertain about what to expect.
Even on days when the performances seemed unremarkable, the team usually managed to secure the result they needed. When asked about pressure, Greenwood explained that the setbacks of the previous campaign actually created a safety net. "We don’t enjoy losing, but we were in control. That helps with preparation, with everything really.
We had setbacks but we also had a safety net. That is what we do, always find a way," she said. This mental resilience now gives City an edge, a brand of tenacity that felt missing in earlier title chases.
The manager’s subtle adjustments have yielded big outcomes, and Jeglertz’s relentless pursuit of improvement means the squad never rests on past laurels. "He’s very open to challenge," Greenwood added. "He invites it.
He wants us to challenge him and each other. It’s such a competitive league.
Teams have strengthened so much this summer, I love it. We remind each other we are winners, that fuels us to want to remain that. But we have huge respect for the level of opposition we face." Momentum is firmly on City’s side.
The team has developed multiple solutions for a variety of problems, erasing doubts about their mental toughness after a single poor result. The new challenge lies in maintaining those high standards across every competition, especially as they aim to make a deeper run in Europe. "I live for European nights," Greenwood admitted, expressing frustration at having to watch last season’s Champions League matches from her living room. "Do you know how hard it is to watch those games and not be involved?" These considerations extend far beyond pre‑season chatter.
How will City cope with the increased demands of a congested schedule? Can they adapt to the relentless rhythm of three games a week?
Does the squad possess enough depth and quality to compete on every front? Greenwood believes the answer lies in using the disappointment of the previous year as motivation. "We weren’t there last year and we have to use that feeling to our advantage. We cannot waste our opportunity," she said.
The club has spent a decade searching for the formula that turns a WSL contender into a genuine champion. Today, they have the resources to stay there: a brand‑new £10 million training facility, an inspirational manager with lofty ambitions, a flood of talent ready for top‑flight football, and a captain who embodies the team’s ethos. Adding to that is the emergence of Bunny Shaw, the PFA Player of the Year, who is already making an impact. In a league where consistency has already hampered their biggest rivals, City’s resolve to win appears stronger than ever.
They are determined not to be a one‑hit wonder; they have worked too hard to settle for simply being winners. Their goal is to be recognized as champions – a title earned through repeated success, relentless improvement, and an unshakeable belief that they will always find a way to triumph.
Fans can catch Manchester City take on Liverpool live on Sky Sports+ this Friday, with kickoff at 7 p.m. The club also invites supporters to join the Super 6 competition for a chance to win £1 million, entry being free of charge.