Manchester City have established their stalemate very early. Captain Alex Greenwood did it in pre-season. “A true champion is someone who goes and wins again. A winner may be once. But a champion does it over and over again.”
Starting the new campaign with back-to-back wins – the only team to do so – is testament to Greenwood’s belief that there is a clear difference between being a winner and being a champion. Becoming a champion is a process of progress, which can only be achieved by continuously supporting what has already been achieved.
Only one side has maximum points after the first two games of this season, something that hasn’t happened since 2015. Now, the WSL holders look to be the ones to beat, picking up their baton and attacking the opening half of the competition like consummate professionals. They have left the red half of Manchester in the dust.
Greenwood himself has been a pillar of consistency under Andree Jeglertz. The beauty of this Manchester City team, in fact, is how the sum of all its parts makes such a complete whole, bound together by a guiding rule: “We always find a way.”
Friday, September 18 at 6:30 p.m
Departure at 19:00
Speaking at Man City’s training ground before kicking a ball, the 32-year-old explains that her approach this season will be different. Since you are the holder of the title, I suppose, quite conceited? It is not the case.
“I needed a mental switch off,” she replies, “this summer I had freedom, no schedule, and that’s why I feel so fresh right now. I can’t remember the last time I took this long off, so I definitely enjoyed it.”
Alex Greenwood and Bunny Shaw celebrate with the FA Cup trophy
A lot changed for Greenwood during her summer off, not least getting engaged to long-term partner Jack, despite trying to guarantee the plans they had on the night of the proposal, not knowing what would happen.
“If I’m really honest, the first day, I tried to cancel the plans,” she continues, smiling at the thought. “I wasn’t in the mood to go out. But Jack told me he’d paid a heavy deposit at the restaurant. He played it nice, didn’t give too much away, and it was amazing.”
Beyond that, Greenwood describes this summer as a “necessary reset.” The responsibility she holds as captain means she constantly has her “tabs open”, unable to fully detach herself from the demands of her own high standards as well as the team’s. Like endless homework.
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Highlights of Manchester City v Birmingham in the Women’s Super League.
“I’m not the type of person who turns it all off, I am most of the time. I reflect a lot. I needed a break because a captain has a big role off the field. But I’m lucky with the dressing room we have, it’s an open environment to talk. I’m not the only one with the authority to make big calls.”
Reflecting on last season should bring back fond memories. City were the dominant force, leaders of the WSL from early November and worthy winners of their first title in a decade. Football was freer, more inventive – guided by Jeglertz’s philosophy rather than burdened by it.
Reinvention happened all over the field, from player to player, from game to game. Opponents prepared before playing City, not knowing what to expect or how to anticipate their ever-evolving play patterns. Even when they weren’t outstanding, they almost always got the job done.
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Highlights of Aston Villa vs Manchester City in the WSL.
“I get asked a lot about pressure and certain results for pressure moments last season. We don’t enjoy losing. But in reality, we were in control. It helps with your preparation, with everything. We had setbacks, but we also had a safety net. That’s what we do, you always find a way.”
City have the upper hand now, a bad brand that has felt missing in previous title chases despite being close. They did not need a complete overhaul. “The manager made subtle differences with big results,” says Greenwood. Jeglertz describes the fix as “never satisfied,” an insatiable need to hone in on an excruciating level of detail.
“He’s very open to challenges,” Greenwood adds. “He invites it. He wants us to challenge him and each other. It’s such a competitive league. The teams have strengthened so much this summer, I love it. We remind each other that we’re winners, it makes us want to stay that way. But we have a lot of respect for the level of opponents we face.”
Andree Jeglertz guided Man City to a domestic double in his first season in charge
Man City have momentum on their side. They have developed multiple solutions to most problems. Gone are the days when their mental toughness is questioned after a losing result. The complication now is maintaining standards in every competition while also playing in Europe.
“I live for European nights,” says Greenwood, touching on her frustration at having to watch last season’s Champions League game from her living room. “Do you know how hard it is to watch those games and not get involved?”
These are questions with implications that extend far beyond the pre-season. How will City cope with the increased demands? Can they adapt to the relentless pace of three games a week? And does the squad have enough depth and quality to compete on every front?
Man City won against Birmingham on the opening weekend before also beating Aston Villa
“We weren’t there last year and we have to use that feeling to our advantage,” insists Greenwood. “We cannot lose our chance.”
City spent a decade trying to unlock the secret to becoming a WSL winner. The team has been equipped with everything they need to stay that way: A new £10m training facility, an inspirational manager with aspirational goals, an influx of WSL-ready talent. And of course they have Bunny Shaw. The PFA Player of the Year is already off on a trial run.
In a Women’s Super League season where consistency has already hampered their biggest rivals, City’s will to win looks more determined than ever. They don’t intend to be a one-hit wonder. They have worked hard to be considered only winners. They want to qualify as champions.
Watch Man City vs Liverpool live on Sky Sports+ on Friday from 6.30pm; departure at 19:00
