Manchester City have made a formidable statement at the start of the new Women’s Super League campaign, with captain Alex Greenwood drawing a sharp distinction between being a winner and being a champion. After securing back-to-back wins—the first team to achieve that feat since 2015—Greenwood emphasized that true champions are defined by consistency rather than one-off successes.
“A true champion is someone who goes and wins again,” Greenwood said. “A winner might be one-off. But a champion does it over and over.”
The Manchester side has left local rivals Manchester United behind in the standings, operating with the precision of consummate professionals under manager Andree Jeglertz. Greenwood described the squad’s philosophy as bound by the mantra: “We always find a way.”
At 32, Greenwood has been a model of consistency this pre-season, crediting her fresh energy to a necessary mental reset. She enjoyed an extended break without a fixed schedule, which allowed her to decompress from the relentless responsibility of captaining the team.
The off-season also brought personal milestones, including her engagement to long-term partner Jack. Greenwood recalled attempting to cancel plans on the evening of the proposal because she was not in the mood to go out, only for Jack to reveal he had already paid a substantial deposit at the restaurant.
Reflecting on last season, Greenwood noted that while City faced pressure moments, they remained in control and had a “safety net” to fall back on. The team achieved reinvention across the pitch, becoming a difficult opponent to predict due to Jeglertz’s evolving tactical patterns.
Greenwood highlighted that the manager fosters a competitive environment where players are encouraged to challenge one another and the coaching staff. “He wants us to challenge him and each other,” she explained, adding that the strengthened opposition in the league only serves to fuel their desire to retain the title.
With momentum on their side and a new £10m training facility at their disposal, City are preparing for the dual demands of domestic dominance and European competition. Greenwood admitted her frustration at watching last season’s Champions League matches from home and is eager to return to the pitch.
The squad features PFA player of the year Bunny Shaw, who has started the season strongly. As rivals grapple with consistency issues, City’s resolve appears sharper than ever. They are determined to avoid the label of a “one-hit wonder” and instead cement their status as established champions.
Manchester City face Liverpool on Friday, September 18, with kickoff at 7:00 pm. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports+.
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