Manchester City have announced their ambitions far earlier than most of their competitors, a sentiment echoed by captain Alex Greenwood during pre‑season. She remarked, “A genuine champion is someone who repeatedly triumphs. A winner may achieve a single success, but a champion does it consistently.” Starting the new campaign with two consecutive victories – a feat no other side has managed so far – underscores Greenwood’s belief that there is a stark difference between merely winning and truly being a champion. Achieving championship status, she argues, is a process that demands constant reinforcement of past achievements rather than a one‑off burst of form.
Only one club currently sits atop the table with a perfect points tally after the opening two rounds, a situation that has not been seen in the Women’s Super League since 2015. The defending champions appear poised to dominate the race, seizing the initiative with the professionalism of seasoned campaigners and leaving their Manchester rivals far behind. Under the guidance of manager Andrée Jeglertz, Greenwood has become a model of reliability. The beauty of this Manchester City side lies in how each individual component blends seamlessly into a cohesive whole, bound by a single guiding maxim: “We always find a way.” Speaking at the club’s training base before the first ball was struck, the 32‑year‑old explained that her mindset for the season would be approached differently this time.
“Because we are title‑holders, I could have been complacent,” she admitted, “but that’s not the case.” “I needed a mental reset,” Greenwood continued. “This summer I had total freedom – no training schedule, no travel commitments – and it left me feeling rejuvenated.
I can’t recall the last time I had such an extended break, and I truly enjoyed it.” Her summer hiatus brought several personal milestones, most notably her engagement to long‑time partner Jack. She recounted how she initially tried to cancel the evening plans surrounding the proposal, only to be surprised by Jack’s calm confidence after he had already secured a hefty restaurant deposit. “Honestly, on the day I was about to bail on our plans,” she laughed, “I wasn’t in the mood to go out.
Jack told me he’d already paid a large deposit, kept his cool, and the night turned out to be amazing.” Beyond the romance, Greenwood described the break as a “necessary reset.” As captain, she feels a constant mental load, with numerous responsibilities and high personal standards that never truly switch off – akin to an endless homework assignment. “I’m not the type of person who can completely disconnect,” she said. “I’m thinking about the team most of the time, reflecting on every detail. I needed this pause because a captain’s role extends far beyond the pitch.
Fortunately, we have a close‑knit dressing‑room, an open environment where we can speak freely. I’m not the only one making big decisions.” Reflecting on the previous season evokes fond memories. City were the dominant force, leading the WSL from early November and clinching their first league title in a decade.
Their style was liberated and inventive, driven by Jeglertz’s philosophy rather than constrained by it. Reinvention was evident across the squad, from player to player and match to match. Opponents often entered games unsure of what to expect, unable to predict the ever‑evolving patterns City displayed.
Even on days when performances seemed modest, the team usually managed to secure the desired result. When asked about pressure, Greenwood explained, “People ask me about pressure a lot. Certain results last season created high‑pressure moments.
We don’t enjoy losing, but we were in control. That control helped our preparation. We faced setbacks, but we also had a safety net.
That’s why we always find a way.” City now possess a brand of resilience that felt missing in earlier title pursuits. The squad did not require a wholesale overhaul; instead, subtle adjustments from the manager yielded significant outcomes. Jeglertz describes his approach as “never being satisfied,” an insatiable drive to refine every detail.
“He’s very open to challenge,” Greenwood added. “He invites us to test him and each other. The league is fiercely competitive, and teams have strengthened a lot this summer. We remind one another that we are winners, and that fuels our desire to stay at the top.
We also have immense respect for the quality of our opposition.” 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 an isolated slip are behind them. The new challenge is to sustain these standards across all competitions, including the demanding European fixtures. “I thrive on European nights,” Greenwood confessed, noting the frustration of watching last season’s Champions League from her living room rather than being on the field.
“It’s tough to sit on the couch and watch those games when you’d rather be playing.” These considerations reach far beyond pre‑season speculation. How will City manage the increased workload?
Can they adapt to a schedule that may see them playing three matches a week? Does the squad have sufficient depth and quality to compete on every front? “We weren’t there last year, and we have to use that feeling to our advantage,” she said. “We cannot waste this opportunity.” After a decade of chasing the secret to sustained WSL success, City now possess the tools to stay at the summit: a state‑of‑the‑art £10 million training complex, an inspiring manager with ambitious targets, a flood of talent ready for top‑flight football, a capable captain, and star forward Bunny Shaw – the PFA Player of the Year – already making an impact.
In a league where consistency has already hampered their biggest rivals, City’s determination to win appears stronger than ever. They refuse to be a one‑hit wonder; they have worked too hard to be labeled merely winners.
Their aim is to be recognised as champions, season after season. Watch Manchester City versus Liverpool live on Sky Sports+ this Friday, kick‑off at 7 p.m. (broadcast from 6:30 p.m.).