Manchester City have announced their intentions far earlier than most would expect, and captain Alex Greenwood made that crystal clear during the pre‑season. She said, "A true champion is someone who goes and wins again. A winner might be a one‑off, but a champion does it over and over." This distinction between a fleeting victory and sustained dominance underpins the narrative surrounding the club's new campaign. Starting the season with two consecutive wins – a feat no other side has managed so far – underscores Greenwood's belief that there is a profound difference between merely winning a match and establishing a lasting legacy.
To become a champion, a team must repeatedly back up its achievements, turning isolated successes into a continuous process of excellence. After the opening two rounds of fixtures, only one team sits atop the table with a perfect record, a situation not seen in the Women's Super League since 2015. The defending champions have already positioned themselves as the benchmark, seizing the momentum of the early season and attacking the competition with the professionalism of seasoned campaigners. In doing so, they have left the rest of Manchester – particularly the city’s traditional red rivals – trailing in their wake.
Greenwood herself has emerged as a model of consistency under the guidance of manager Andree Jeglertz. The beauty of this Manchester City side lies in how each individual component contributes to a cohesive whole, bound by a single guiding principle: "We always find a way." In a candid conversation at the club’s training base, the 32‑year‑old captain explained that she intends to approach this season with a fresh mindset.
"Because we are the title holders, I could have been complacent," she admitted, "but that’s not the case. I needed a mental switch‑off during the summer.
I had freedom, no rigid schedule, and that reset left me feeling revitalised. I can’t remember the last time I had such a long break, and I truly enjoyed it." Her summer hiatus brought several personal milestones. Greenwood became engaged to her long‑time partner Jack, an event that added a layer of joy to her time away from football.
She recalled the evening of the proposal with a smile, noting that she initially tried to cancel their plans, not feeling in the mood for a celebration. Jack, however, had already paid a substantial deposit on a restaurant, kept the surprise under wraps, and delivered a memorable evening.
Beyond the romance, Greenwood described the break as a "necessary reset". As captain, she constantly has "tabs open" – a mental ledger of responsibilities, personal standards, and team expectations that never truly shuts down. "I’m not the type of person who can turn everything off," she said. "I spend a lot of time reflecting.
A captain’s role extends far beyond the pitch; it involves leadership in the dressing room, mediating conflicts, and setting the tone for the entire squad. I’m fortunate that our locker room is close‑knit and open, so I’m not the only one making big decisions." Reflecting on the previous season evokes fond memories for Greenwood and her teammates.
City dominated the league from early November, eventually clinching their first title in a decade. The football they played was liberated and inventive, shaped by Jeglertz’s philosophy rather than constrained by it. Throughout the campaign, the team reinvented itself – from individual players adapting their roles to the collective shifting tactics game by game. Opponents often entered matches uncertain of what to expect, as City’s patterns of play were constantly evolving.
Even on nights when the performance was modest, the side usually managed to secure the desired result. When asked about pressure, Greenwood explained that the moments of heightened expectation last season actually helped the squad.
"We don’t enjoy losing, but we were in control of our destiny," she said. "That control aids preparation and gives us a safety net. When setbacks occur, we have the mental resilience to bounce back. Our mantra remains: we always find a way." City now possess a brand of grit that seemed missing during earlier title pursuits.
The manager has not overhauled the squad; instead, he has introduced subtle adjustments that have yielded significant outcomes. Jeglertz describes his approach as "never being satisfied" – an insatiable drive to refine every detail. Greenwood praised this mindset, noting that Jeglertz welcomes challenges and encourages the players to question him and each other.
"The league is fiercely competitive," she added. "Teams have strengthened dramatically over the summer, and that excites me. We constantly remind one another that we are winners, and that fuels our desire to stay on top, while also respecting the quality of our opposition." Momentum is firmly on Manchester City’s side.
The team has cultivated multiple solutions for a wide range of tactical problems, and the days when their mental toughness was doubted after a single poor result are behind them. The new challenge lies in maintaining those high standards across every competition, especially as they juggle domestic fixtures with European commitments.
"I live for European nights," Greenwood confessed, expressing frustration at having to watch last season’s Champions League matches from her living room rather than being on the pitch. "It’s tough to sit on the sofa and watch those games when you know you could be part of them." These reflections raise questions that extend far beyond pre‑season banter. How will City manage the increased physical and mental demands of a congested schedule? Can they sustain a rhythm of three games per week without sacrificing quality?
Does the squad have sufficient depth and talent to compete on all fronts? Greenwood believes the experience of missing out last year can be turned into an advantage.
"We cannot waste the opportunity we have now," she asserted. "We must use the feeling of being left out as fuel to drive us forward." Over the past decade, the club has invested heavily in the infrastructure needed to become a perennial champion. A new £10 million training complex, an inspirational manager with lofty ambitions, an influx of players ready for WSL competition, and a captain who embodies leadership all combine to create a winning ecosystem.
Adding to that mix is the emergence of Bunny Shaw, the PFA Player of the Year, who has already begun the season with a series of impressive performances. In a league where consistency has already hampered the biggest challengers, Manchester City’s resolve appears stronger than ever. They are determined not to be a one‑hit wonder; they have worked too hard to settle for the label of "winners" alone.
Their goal is to be recognised as champions – a status earned through relentless dedication, strategic evolution, and the ability to thrive under pressure. Fans can catch the upcoming clash between Manchester City and Liverpool live on Sky Sports+ this Friday, with kick‑off scheduled for 7 p.m. The match promises another showcase of the team’s ambition and the high standards they have set for themselves as they embark on a season that could define a new era of dominance.