Manchester City have announced their intentions with a striking level of confidence right from the start of the new season, a sentiment echoed by captain Alex Greenwood during pre‑season training. She warned that a true champion is defined by repeated success, not a single triumph, saying: “A genuine champion keeps winning over and over again; a one‑off victory makes you a winner, but not a champion.” Starting the campaign with two consecutive wins – a feat no other side has managed so far – underscores Greenwood’s belief that there is a fundamental difference between simply winning matches and establishing a lasting legacy. The path to championship status, she argues, is a continuous process that demands relentless consistency and the ability to back up early achievements with further victories.
Only one team currently sits atop the table with a perfect record after the opening two rounds, a scenario that has not been seen in the Women’s Super League since 2015. The defending champions appear to be the benchmark for the rest of the league, taking the early lead in the title race with the poise and professionalism of seasoned campaigners. In doing so, they have left their city rivals in the dust and set a high bar for everyone else.
Greenwood has been a model of steadiness under the guidance of manager Andree Jeglertz. The beauty of this Manchester City side lies in how each individual component blends into a cohesive whole, driven 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 her mindset for the season would be approached differently this time around.
When asked whether the title defence would make her complacent, Greenwood laughed and said, “I needed a mental switch‑off. This summer I had total freedom – no training schedule, no travel, just a break – and that’s why I feel so refreshed now. I can’t remember the last time I had such a long period away from football, and I truly enjoyed it.” Her summer off the pitch was marked by several personal milestones, most notably her engagement to long‑time partner Jack. 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, kept the surprise under wraps, and ultimately delivered a memorable night. Beyond the romance, Greenwood described the break as a “necessary reset.” As captain, she constantly carries a mental load – she always has “tabs open” and finds it difficult to fully switch off from the high standards she sets for herself and the squad. “I’m not the type of person who can completely turn everything off,” she said.
“I spend a lot of time reflecting. I needed this pause because a captain has a huge off‑field role as well. I’m lucky that our dressing room is close‑knit and open, so we can talk openly. I’m not the only one who makes big decisions.” Reflecting on last season brings back vivid memories of dominance.
City led the WSL from early November and captured their first league title in a decade, playing a brand of football that was freer and more inventive under Jeglertz’s philosophy. The team reinvented itself game after game, with each player adding a new dimension to the collective. Opponents often entered matches unsure of what to expect, never quite able to predict the ever‑evolving patterns of City’s play.
Even on days when the performance was not spectacular, the side usually found a way to secure the three points. When asked about pressure, Greenwood acknowledged that certain results from the previous season created high‑stakes moments, but she emphasized that the team remained in control. “We don’t like losing, but we were in charge of our destiny.
That mindset helped us prepare for everything. We faced setbacks, but we also had a safety net. That’s why we always find a way.” City now possess an edge – a certain “nastiness” that was missing in earlier title pursuits.
The manager has not overhauled the squad but has introduced subtle tweaks that have yielded big outcomes. Jeglertz describes his approach as “never being satisfied,” a relentless drive to improve every detail. Greenwood added, “He welcomes challenges.
He wants us to question him and each other. This league is fiercely competitive; teams have strengthened a lot over the summer, and I love that.
We remind each other that we are winners, and that fuels our desire to stay on top. We also have huge respect for the quality of the opposition.” Manchester City’s momentum is evident. They have devised multiple solutions for the problems that arise during a season, and the days when their mental toughness was doubted after a single slip‑up are behind them.
The new challenge is to maintain those high standards across all competitions, especially as they embark on a demanding European campaign. “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 to sit on the couch and watch those games when you want to be on the pitch.” These comments hint at broader questions that go beyond pre‑season banter: How will City handle the increased workload?
Can they sustain a rhythm of three games per week? 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,” Greenwood said. “We cannot waste this opportunity.” The club has invested heavily over the past decade to uncover the formula for sustained success: a state‑of‑the‑art £10 million training facility, an inspirational manager with ambitious targets, a steady influx of WSL‑ready talent, and a captain who leads by example.
On top of that, they have the brilliance of Bunny Shaw, the PFA Player of the Year, who has already started the season in scintillating form. In a league where consistency has already hampered the biggest challengers, City’s determination to win appears stronger than ever.
They are not content with being a one‑hit wonder; they have worked too hard to settle for mere winners. Their aim is to be recognised as genuine champions, a status they intend to defend with every match they play. Watch Manchester City versus Liverpool live on Sky Sports+ this Friday at 6:30 pm (kick‑off at 7 pm).