Manchester City have announced their ambitions far earlier than most of their competitors, a sentiment echoed by captain Alex Greenwood during the pre‑season. She warned, "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 team's approach as they embark on a new campaign. Starting the season with two consecutive victories – a feat no other side has managed so early – underscores Greenwood's belief that there is a clear line separating a winner from a champion. Achieving champion status, she argues, is a process that demands relentless consistency and the ability to back up early successes with continued performance. After the first two rounds of fixtures, City sit alone atop the table with a perfect points tally, a scenario not witnessed in the Women's Super League since 2015.
The defending champions have seized the initiative, treating the opening phase of the race like seasoned professionals and leaving their Manchester rivals in the rear‑view mirror. Greenwood herself has become a model of reliability under manager Andree Jeglertz.
The true beauty of this Manchester City side lies in how each individual component blends to form a cohesive whole, guided by a single mantra: "We always find a way." In a conversation at the club's training base, the 32‑year‑old explained that her mindset for the season would be framed differently this time around. "Because you're the title holders, I assume you might be a bit complacent? Not at all," she said. "I needed a mental switch‑off.
This summer I had freedom, no schedule, and that’s why I feel so fresh now. I can’t remember the last time I got such a long break, so I definitely enjoyed it." The summer break brought significant personal changes for Greenwood, including her engagement to long‑term partner Jack. She recounted how she almost cancelled their plans on the night of the proposal, only to be surprised by Jack’s calm handling of a hefty restaurant deposit. "If I’m being honest, I tried to cancel the evening," she laughed.
"I wasn’t in the mood to go out, but Jack kept it cool and it turned out amazing." Beyond romance, Greenwood described the hiatus as a "necessary reset." As captain, she constantly juggles multiple responsibilities, never truly switching off from the high standards she sets for herself and the squad. "I’m not the type to turn everything off; I’m thinking most 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 – the dressing room is close‑knit, open, and we can speak freely. I’m not the only one making big decisions." Reflecting on last season evokes fond memories. City dominated the league, taking the WSL lead as early as November and clinching their first title in a decade. Their football was liberated and inventive, shaped by Jeglertz’s philosophy rather than constrained by it.
Throughout the campaign, the team reinvented itself game after game, keeping opponents guessing and never allowing rivals to predict their evolving patterns. Even on less spectacular days, City usually managed to secure the result they needed.
When asked about pressure, Greenwood admitted that certain outcomes from the previous season created moments of tension. "We don’t enjoy losing, but we were in control. That helps with preparation and everything else.
We faced setbacks, but we also had a safety net. That’s what we do – we always find a way." City now possess a brand of resilience that felt missing in earlier title pursuits.
The manager’s subtle tweaks have produced significant outcomes, and Jeglertz’s relentless pursuit of improvement drives the squad to fine‑tune every detail. Greenwood highlighted this mindset: "He’s very open to challenge. He invites it.
He wants us to challenge him and each other. The league is extremely competitive; teams have strengthened a lot this summer, and I love that. We remind each other we’re winners, and that fuels our desire to stay that way. We also have huge respect for the quality of opposition we face." Momentum is firmly on City’s side.
They have developed multiple solutions for a variety of challenges, and the days when their mental toughness was questioned after a single slip‑up are behind them. The new test is to maintain these high standards across all competitions while also navigating the rigours of European football. "I live for European nights," Greenwood confessed, expressing frustration at having to watch last season’s Champions League matches from her living room. "It’s hard watching those games and not being involved." These concerns extend beyond pre‑season speculation.
How will City handle the increased demands of a packed schedule? Can they sustain a three‑game‑a‑week rhythm? 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.
We cannot waste our opportunity," Greenwood asserted. The club has spent a decade seeking the formula for WSL success and now boasts a £10 million training complex, an inspirational manager with ambitious targets, a flood of WSL‑ready talent, a superb captain, and star forward Bunny Shaw, the PFA Player of the Year, already off to a flying start.
In a league where consistency has already hampered their biggest rivals, City’s determination appears stronger than ever. They refuse to be a one‑hit wonder; they have worked too hard to settle for merely being winners.
Their aim is to cement themselves as champions, not just title‑holders. Watch Manchester City versus Liverpool live on Sky Sports+ this Friday at 6.30 pm (kick‑off 7 pm).