Manchester City have already begun to carve out a formidable early lead in the new season, a fact underscored by captain Alex Greenwood during pre‑season remarks. She drew a clear line between a "winner" and a "champion," saying, "A true champion is someone who goes and wins again. A winner might be one‑off. But a champion does it over and over." This distinction sets the tone for a side that believes success is a continual process, not a single triumph.
Starting the campaign with two consecutive victories – a feat no other team has managed so far – serves as tangible proof of Greenwood’s philosophy. The fact that City sit alone atop the table after the first two rounds marks the first time this has occurred since 2015, signalling that the WSL title‑holders are already positioning themselves as the benchmark for the rest of the league. Their early dominance has left their Manchester rivals in the dust and reinforced the notion that they are the team to beat.
Under the guidance of manager Andrée Jeglertz, Greenwood has become a model of consistency and leadership. The true beauty of this Manchester City outfit lies in how each individual component blends seamlessly into a cohesive whole, bound by a single guiding maxim: "We always find a way." In a conversation at the club’s training base, the 32‑year‑old captain explained that her mindset for the season would be framed differently this time around. She dismissed any notion that being defending champions automatically grants an easy path, insisting instead on a mental reset. "I needed a mental switch‑off," Greenwood admitted.
"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 off, so I definitely enjoyed it." The break proved pivotal not only for her performance but also for her personal life.
During the summer she became engaged to long‑term partner Jack, a moment that almost slipped through the cracks because she initially tried to cancel their celebration plans. "If I’m being really honest, the day of, I tried to cancel plans," she laughed. "I wasn’t in the mood to go out. But Jack had already paid a heavy deposit on the restaurant.
He kept it cool, didn’t give much away, and it turned out to be amazing." Beyond the romance, Greenwood described the hiatus as a "necessary reset." As captain, she constantly juggles multiple responsibilities and high personal standards, leaving her with little opportunity to fully disconnect. She likened this perpetual state of readiness to an endless homework assignment. "I’m not the kind of person to turn it all off," she said. "I’m on the majority 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." This candid admission highlights the importance of a supportive squad environment, where leadership is shared and communication flows freely. Reflecting on the previous season, Greenwood reminded everyone of City’s dominance. They seized the WSL lead as early as November and secured 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 repeatedly, with each player and each match offering fresh tactical variations that left opponents guessing. Even on days when the performance was not spectacular, City still managed to secure the necessary results. When asked about pressure, Greenwood explained that last season’s setbacks actually created a safety net. "We don’t enjoy losing, but we were in control," she said.
"That helps with preparation. We had setbacks but also a safety net.
That is what we do – always find a way." This mental resilience now translates into a brand of tenacity that felt missing in earlier title bids. Jeglertz’s subtle adjustments have produced big outcomes, and his relentless pursuit of improvement ensures the squad never rests on its laurels.
"He’s very open to challenge," Greenwood added. "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." This mutual respect for rivals fuels a competitive fire that drives City forward.
Momentum now favours Manchester City. The team has developed multiple solutions for a wide range of tactical problems, and the days when their mental toughness was questioned after an isolated slip are long gone. The new challenge lies in maintaining these high standards across all competitions, especially as they aim to make a deeper run in Europe. "I live for European nights," Greenwood confessed, expressing frustration at having to watch last season’s Champions League matches from her living room.
"Do you know how hard it is to watch those games and not be involved?" This yearning for continental action underscores the broader question of how City will cope with an intensified schedule of three games per week and whether the squad possesses enough depth to compete on every front. "We weren’t there last year and we have to use that feeling to our advantage. We cannot waste our opportunity," Greenwood asserted. After a decade of chasing the elusive formula for sustained WSL success, City now boast a £10 million training facility, an ambitious manager with clear targets, a flood of WSL‑ready talent, and a captain who embodies both leadership and humility.
Add to that the brilliance of Bunny Shaw, the PFA Player of the Year, and the picture of a club primed for continued excellence. In a league where consistency has already hampered their biggest rivals, Manchester City’s resolve appears stronger than ever. They refuse to be a one‑hit wonder; they have worked too hard to settle for mere winners.
Their ambition is to be recognised as genuine champions – a status that demands relentless performance, adaptability, and the ability to thrive under pressure. Watch Manchester City versus Liverpool live on Sky Sports+ this Friday at 7 pm.