Manchester City have announced their intentions far earlier than most would expect, and captain Alex Greenwood made that crystal clear during pre‑season. She remarked, "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 tone of City’s new campaign.
Starting the season with two consecutive wins – a feat no other side has managed so far – serves as a practical illustration of Greenwood’s philosophy. It shows that the difference between merely winning a match and building a championship pedigree lies in consistency, in the relentless reinforcement of past successes through fresh achievements. Only one team currently sits atop the table with a perfect points tally after the opening two rounds, a scenario that has not occurred in the Women’s Super League since 2015. The defending champions have taken the lead of the race with a professional composure that suggests they are ready to defend their crown.
In doing so, they have left the traditional Manchester rivals in their wake. Greenwood has been a model of steadiness under the guidance of manager Andrée Jeglertz. The beauty of this Manchester City side, however, is that its strength does not rest on a single star but on the harmonious integration of all its parts, bound together by a simple yet powerful mantra: "We always find a way." During 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 new season would be approached from a different angle.
She dismissed the notion that being title‑holders automatically grants a psychological edge. "I needed a mental switch‑off," she said.
"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 that long a break, so I definitely enjoyed it." Her summer hiatus brought more than rest. Greenwood became engaged to her long‑term partner Jack, a milestone that added a personal highlight to an otherwise quiet off‑season. She recounted how she almost cancelled the evening plans for the proposal, not feeling in the mood to go out.
Jack, however, had already paid a hefty deposit on a restaurant and kept the surprise under wraps, turning the night into an unforgettable moment. Beyond the romance, Greenwood described the break as a "necessary reset." As captain, she constantly juggles numerous responsibilities, never fully switching off from the high standards she sets for herself and the squad. "I’m not the kind of person to turn it all off; I’m on 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 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." Looking back at last season evokes proud memories. City dominated the league, leading the WSL from early November and eventually clinching their first title in a decade.
The football they played was freer and more inventive, guided by Jeglertz’s philosophy rather than constrained by it. Reinvention was a constant theme, whether it was a player adjusting her role or a tactical tweak between games. Opponents often entered matches uncertain of what to expect, as City’s patterns of play evolved continuously.
Even on days when the performance was not spectacular, the team usually managed to secure the three points. When asked about pressure, Greenwood admitted that certain results inevitably create moments of tension, but the team’s control over the game helped mitigate those feelings. "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 explained. City now possess a brand of resilience that seemed missing in previous title runs.
The manager did not overhaul the squad; instead, he introduced subtle adjustments that yielded significant outcomes. Jeglertz describes this approach as "never being satisfied," an insatiable desire to refine every detail. Greenwood added, "He’s very open to challenge. 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 Manchester City’s side. They have devised multiple solutions for most problems that arise on the pitch. The days when their mental toughness was questioned after a single poor result are behind them.
The new challenge is to maintain those high standards across every competition, especially as they re‑enter European football. "I live for European nights," Greenwood said, expressing frustration at having to watch last season’s Champions League from her living room.
"Do you know how hard it is to watch those games and not be involved?" Her words hint at the ambition to not only dominate domestically but also to make a deep run on the continental stage. These considerations go far beyond pre‑season banter. How will City manage the increased workload? Can they adapt to a schedule that may demand three matches per week?
Does the squad have enough depth and quality to compete on all fronts? "We weren’t there last year and we have to use that feeling to our advantage. We cannot waste our opportunity," Greenwood affirmed. Over the past decade, City have invested heavily to unlock the secret of becoming a consistent WSL champion.
They now enjoy a state‑of‑the‑art £10 million training complex, an inspirational manager with lofty objectives, a pipeline of talent ready for top‑flight football, and a captain who embodies both leadership and humility. Adding to that is the presence of Bunny Shaw, the PFA Player of the Year, who has already started the season brightly. In a league where consistency has already hampered their biggest rivals, City’s resolve 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 recognized as champions, season after season.
Watch Manchester City versus Liverpool live on Sky Sports+ this Friday, kick‑off at 7 pm.