Manchester City have announced their intentions with a confidence that borders on intimidation, and captain Alex Greenwood was quick to articulate that mindset during the pre‑season. She warned that a true champion is defined not by a single triumph but by the ability to repeat success over and over. In her words, "A true champion is someone who goes and wins again. A winner might be a one‑off, but a champion does it repeatedly." This perspective sets a high bar for the club and its opponents as the new campaign gets under way.
Starting the season with two straight victories—something no other side in the league has managed so far—underscores Greenwood’s belief that there is a clear line separating a winner from a champion. A champion, she argues, is forged through a process that demands consistent performance and the relentless defence of past achievements. The fact that City sit alone at the top of the table after the first two rounds of fixtures is a rarity not seen since 2015, and it signals that the defending WSL champions are already positioning themselves as the team to beat.
Greenwood has become a model of steadiness under manager Andrée Jeglertz, and the beauty of this Manchester City side lies in how each individual component contributes to a cohesive whole. The squad operates under a single guiding principle: "We always find a way." This mantra was evident even before the first ball was kicked at the club’s training base, when the 32‑year‑old captain explained that her mindset for the season would be framed differently this time around. She admitted that she needed to "switch off" mentally over the summer. "This year I had the freedom of an open schedule, and that’s why I feel so fresh now," she said.
"I can’t remember the last time I had such a long break, and I definitely enjoyed it." The period of rest proved transformative for Greenwood, who also celebrated a personal milestone by becoming engaged to her long‑term partner, Jack. She recounted the amusing anecdote of trying to cancel their engagement dinner plans, only for Jack to reveal he had already paid a hefty deposit on the restaurant, turning the evening into a memorable surprise.
Beyond the romance, Greenwood described the summer as a "necessary reset". As captain, she is constantly juggling multiple responsibilities and high expectations, both for herself and for the team. She likened this constant pressure to a never‑ending homework assignment that rarely allows her to fully disconnect.
"I’m not the type of person who can turn everything off," she explained. "I spend the majority of my time reflecting. I needed a break because a captain has a huge role off the pitch as well. Fortunately, we have a close‑knit dressing room where we can speak openly.
I’m not the only one with authority to make big decisions." Reflecting on last season evokes fond memories for the squad. City dominated the league from early November, eventually clinching their first title in a decade. Under Jeglertz’s philosophy, the football was more fluid and inventive, free from the weight of expectation rather than constrained by it. The team reinvented itself game after game, with each player adapting and evolving.
Opponents often entered matches uncertain of what to expect, unable to predict the ever‑shifting patterns of City’s play. Even on days when the performance was not spectacular, the side usually managed to secure the necessary results. 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 enjoy losing, but we were in charge of the game, which helps with preparation and everything else.
We had setbacks, but we also had a safety net. That’s what we do—always find a way," she said. City now possess a brand of resilience that seemed missing in earlier title bids. The changes implemented by the manager were subtle yet impactful, and Greenwood praised Jeglertz for his relentless pursuit of improvement.
"He’s very open to challenge," she added. "He invites us to challenge him and each other. It’s a fiercely competitive league, and teams have strengthened a lot this summer.
We remind each other that we are winners, and that fuels our desire to stay that way. We also have huge respect for the quality of the opposition we face." Momentum is firmly on City’s side. The squad has developed multiple solutions for most problems they encounter, and the days when their mental toughness was questioned after an isolated poor result are now behind them.
The current challenge is to sustain these standards across all competitions, especially as they embark on a demanding European campaign. Greenwood confessed her yearning for European nights, noting the frustration of watching last season’s Champions League matches from her living room without being able to contribute on the pitch.
"Do you know how hard it is to watch those games and not be involved?" she asked. These considerations raise broader questions about the club’s capacity to handle the increased workload. Can City adapt to the relentless rhythm of three matches per week?
Does the squad have enough depth and quality to compete on every front? Greenwood believes the experience of missing out last year can be turned into an advantage. "We weren’t there last season, and we have to use that feeling to our advantage. We cannot waste this opportunity," she asserted.
Over the past decade, City have invested heavily in the infrastructure needed to become a lasting WSL powerhouse. A new £10 million training complex, an inspirational manager with ambitious targets, a steady influx of talent ready for top‑flight football, and a captain who embodies professionalism—all these elements are now in place. Adding to this mix is the emergence of Bunny Shaw, the PFA Player of the Year, who has already made an explosive start to the season. In a league where consistency has already hampered their biggest rivals, Manchester 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 be labeled merely as winners. Their aim is to be recognized as champions—by consistently delivering victories, by adapting to new challenges, and by maintaining the highest standards across domestic and European competitions.
Fans can catch the upcoming clash between Manchester City and Liverpool live on Sky Sports+ this Friday, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. Additionally, there is a chance to win £1 million by entering the Super 6 competition for free.