Manchester City have already established a daunting foothold early in the season, a fact underscored by captain Alex Greenwood during the pre‑season period. She remarked, "A true champion is someone who goes and wins again. A winner might be a one‑off, but a champion repeats the feat over and over." This distinction between a fleeting winner and a sustained champion lies at the heart of City’s current mindset. Kicking off the campaign with two consecutive victories – a feat no other side has managed so far – serves as a practical illustration of Greenwood’s philosophy.
It signals that the squad is not merely content with a single triumph; they are intent on building a process that consistently validates their previous successes. In fact, after the first two rounds of matches, City sit alone at the summit of the table with a perfect points tally, a scenario that has not occurred in the Women’s Super League since 2015. Their early dominance suggests they have seized the baton and are sprinting ahead of the competition with the professionalism of seasoned campaigners, leaving the rest of Manchester’s red‑shirted rivals in their wake.
Greenwood herself has become a model of reliability under manager Andrée Jeglertz. The true elegance of this Manchester City side lies in how each individual component blends into a cohesive whole, guided by a single, unifying maxim: "We always find a way." In a candid conversation at the club’s training base, the 32‑year‑old captain explained that her approach to the new season would be framed differently from the previous one. She dismissed any notion that the team would simply coast on the basis of being reigning champions, insisting that complacency has no place in their agenda.
"I needed a mental switch‑off," Greenwood said. "This summer I had freedom, no schedule, and that is 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 words highlight the importance of rest and mental reset for high‑performing athletes. The summer hiatus proved transformative for Greenwood in more ways than one.
She became engaged to her long‑term partner, Jack, a milestone that added personal joy to her professional preparation. She recounted a humorous anecdote about almost canceling their engagement dinner plans, only for Jack to keep the reservation secret and surprise her, turning what could have been a stressful evening into a memorable celebration.
Beyond the romance, Greenwood described the off‑season as a "necessary reset". As captain, she constantly juggles multiple responsibilities, often feeling like she has "tabs open" that never fully close.
The pressure of maintaining high personal standards and meeting the expectations of the squad can feel like an endless homework assignment. Yet she emphasized the supportive environment within the dressing room, noting that the team’s culture encourages openness and shared decision‑making. "I’m not the only one with the authority to make big calls," she said, underscoring the collective leadership model that Jeglertz has cultivated.
Reflecting on last season, Greenwood painted a picture of a side that dominated the league from early November, ultimately clinching their first title in a decade. The football displayed under Jeglertz’s guidance was freer and more inventive, driven by philosophy rather than constraint. The team reinvented itself constantly – from player to player, match to match – leaving opponents uncertain of what to expect. Even on days when the performance seemed ordinary, the squad usually managed to secure the desired result.
When asked about pressure, Greenwood admitted that certain outcomes from the previous campaign generated heightened expectations, but she stressed that the team remained in control. "We don’t enjoy losing," she said, "but we were in control, and that helps with preparation.
We had setbacks, but we also had a safety net. That is what we do – we always find a way." This resilience has become a hallmark of City’s brand of football, a subtle yet palpable edge that was missing in earlier title races.
The manager’s tweaks have been modest in appearance but massive in impact, reflecting Jeglertz’s relentless pursuit of perfection. He encourages challenge, inviting players to test him and each other, fostering a competitive atmosphere that fuels continuous improvement. The league’s overall quality has risen dramatically this summer, with many clubs strengthening their squads.
Greenwood welcomed this development, noting that it pushes City to remind each other of their winning mentality, which in turn fuels their desire to stay at the top. Respect for the opposition remains high, but the belief in their own superiority is unwavering. City’s momentum is now bolstered by a depth of tactical solutions. The days when a single poor result could cast doubt on their mental toughness are largely behind them.
The new challenge lies in maintaining these high standards across all competitions, especially as they re‑enter European play. Greenwood expressed her enthusiasm for continental nights, confessing the frustration of watching last season’s Champions League matches from her living room rather than being on the pitch. "How hard is it to watch those games and not be involved?" she asked rhetorically, highlighting the hunger to compete on the biggest stages.
Looking ahead, several questions emerge: Can City handle the increased demands of a three‑game‑a‑week rhythm? Does the squad possess sufficient depth and quality to compete on multiple fronts without sacrificing performance? Greenwood believes the answer lies in learning from the previous season’s shortcomings and turning that knowledge into an advantage.
"We weren’t there last year, and we have to use that feeling to our advantage. We cannot waste our opportunity," she asserted. The club has invested heavily over the past decade to unlock the secret of sustained success.
A state‑of‑the‑art £10 million training facility, an inspirational manager with clear targets, an influx of talent ready for WSL competition, and a captain who leads by example have all converged to create a winning ecosystem. Adding to this mix is the emergence of Bunny Shaw, the PFA Player of the Year, whose early‑season performances have already set a high bar. In a league where consistency has already hampered the biggest challengers, 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 ambition is to be recognized as true champions – a status earned through relentless effort, adaptability, and an unwavering belief that they can always find a way to succeed.
Fans can catch Manchester City take on Liverpool live on Sky Sports+ this Friday, with kick‑off scheduled for 7 p.m. Additionally, the Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £1 million, with free entry for those who wish to try their luck.