Manchester City have announced their intentions with a confidence that borders on intimidation, and captain Alex Greenwood was quick to articulate that mindset during pre‑season. She said, “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 greatness underpins the narrative surrounding the club’s early season form. Starting the campaign with two consecutive wins – a feat no other side has managed so far – serves as tangible proof of Greenwood’s belief that there is a clear line separating a simple winner from a bona fide champion. Achieving champion status is not a single event; it is a continuous process that demands the team consistently validate its previous successes.
In fact, after the first two rounds of matches, City sit alone atop the table with a perfect points tally, a scenario that has not been witnessed in the Women’s Super League since 2015. The defending champions appear poised to dominate the race, seizing the momentum and leaving their Manchester rivals in the dust. Greenwood herself has become a model of reliability under manager Andrée Jeglertz.
The true beauty of this Manchester City side lies in how each individual component blends into a cohesive whole, guided by a single mantra: “We always find a way.” In a conversation at the club’s training base, the 32‑year‑old captain explained that she intends to approach the new season with a different mental framework. “Because we’re the title holders, I could have been complacent, but that’s not the case,” she said. “I needed a mental switch‑off.
This summer I had total freedom, no schedule, and that’s why I feel so refreshed now. I can’t recall the last time I had such a long break, and I truly enjoyed it.” Her summer off‑season was marked by significant personal milestones as well. Greenwood got engaged to her long‑term partner Jack, a moment she almost tried to postpone. “Honestly, on the day of the proposal I tried to cancel our plans,” she laughed.
“I wasn’t in the mood to go out, but Jack had already paid a hefty deposit on the restaurant. He kept it low‑key, didn’t give anything away, and it turned out to be amazing.” Beyond the romance, Greenwood described the break as a “necessary reset.” The responsibilities of a captain mean she is constantly juggling multiple mental tabs, never fully able to disconnect from the high standards she sets for herself and the squad.
“I’m not the type of person who can turn everything off,” she admitted. “I’m thinking about the team most of the time.
I reflect a lot. I needed a break because a captain has a huge role off the pitch too. I’m lucky that our dressing‑room is close‑knit and open; we can speak freely.
I’m not the only one who makes big decisions.” Reflecting on last season evokes fond memories for the entire club. City were the dominant force, taking the WSL lead as early as November and eventually securing their first league title in a decade. Under Jeglertz’s philosophy, the football was liberated, inventive, and less burdened by rigid structures. The team reinvented itself across every position and match, leaving opponents uncertain about what to expect.
Even on days when performances were not spectacular, City still managed to secure the necessary results. When asked about pressure, Greenwood explained that the team’s mindset helped mitigate it. “We don’t enjoy losing, but we were in control last season, which helped our preparation. We faced setbacks, but we also had a safety net.
That’s why we always find a way.” The current squad possesses a brand of resilience that felt missing in previous title chases. The manager’s subtle tweaks have produced significant outcomes, and Jeglertz’s relentless pursuit of perfection drives the team to fine‑tune every detail.
“He’s very open to challenge,” Greenwood added. “He invites us to question him and each other.
The league is incredibly competitive; teams have strengthened a lot this summer, and I love that. We remind each other we’re winners, and that fuels our desire to stay that way.
We also have huge respect for the quality of the opposition.” City’s momentum is now undeniable. They have developed multiple solutions for a variety of problems, and the era of their mental toughness being doubted after a single poor result appears to be behind them.
The new challenge lies in maintaining these high standards across all competitions, especially as they venture deeper into European fixtures. “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 watch those games and not be part of them.” These considerations extend far beyond pre‑season talk.
How will City handle the increased workload? Can they adapt to a schedule that may see them playing three matches a 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 can’t waste this opportunity,” she warned. Over the past decade, City have invested heavily to unlock the secret of sustained success: a £10 million training complex, an inspirational manager with lofty goals, a steady influx of WSL‑ready talent, and a captain who leads by example. Adding to that, the presence of Bunny Shaw – the PFA Player of the Year – provides an extra spark.
In a league where consistency has already hampered their biggest rivals, City’s resolve to win appears stronger than ever. They are not content with being a one‑hit wonder; they have worked too hard to settle for merely being winners. Their aim is to be recognized as champions, year after year. Watch Manchester City take on Liverpool live on Sky Sports+ this Friday at 6.30 pm (kick‑off 7 pm).