Man City face tougher WSL title defense as rivals strengthen

Manchester City ended a decade-long wait for a Women's Super League title last season, adding the Women's FA Cup to complete a domestic double. However, as rivals strengthen and ambitious clubs rise, the 2026-27 season promises to be a sterner test for the champions.

Champions' mindset

City clinched the title with a game to spare, finishing six points clear of second-placed Chelsea, ending the Blues' six-year dominance. It was manager Andree Jeglertz's first major trophy in his debut season in England. Key factors included no Champions League distractions, a deep squad, and the fitness of key players.

Captain Alex Greenwood reflected on the lessons learned: "How to become champions," she told BBC Sport. "We had come very, very close to doing it in previous years but just couldn't get over the line. Last season, a lot came together."

Greenwood emphasized the importance of maintaining a champion's mentality: "Continuity is important, culture is important and the language that you use is important. When you hear the same thing often, it becomes a norm. You act like a champion and perform like one. We all locked into that last year and were fully committed."

She added: "This season, I'm not going to say 'do the same again' because I don't think that entitles you to win the league. People improve, teams improve and we will improve. We will have to change things slightly and be better but continue to do the things that we did really well last season. That would be my message... and to enjoy it."

Transfer activity across the league

City have strengthened their squad with the arrivals of England internationals Beth Mead and Niamh Charles, but they also lost Brazilian forward Kerolin to Barcelona. Top-scorer Khadija Shaw signed a new contract, avoiding a potential move to Chelsea, which boosts their attacking options.

Meanwhile, rivals have been busy. Arsenal have signed Spain full-back Ona Batlle and England midfielder Georgia Stanway. London City Lionesses have landed two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas, while Tottenham have added Kirsty Hanson and Shekiera Martinez to their frontline. Brighton have also been on the rise under manager Dario Vidosic.

Greenwood is unfazed by the competition: "I think the reaction is from the teams who have tried to get into the top four and haven't quite got there," she said. "It's amazing though. I love seeing players come to this league and want to test themselves. In my opinion, it's the best league in the world in women's football."

New challenges ahead

City's return to Champions League football will bring a busier fixture schedule, testing squad depth. Greenwood, who has won back-to-back European titles with England, is also looking ahead to the Women's World Cup in Brazil next summer. She noted that lifting the WSL trophy as captain taught her valuable lessons, but she remains focused on the immediate task: "I don't think any game you play in the WSL is easy. We'll see when the season starts how things look. I concentrate on this team and where I'm at."