Manchester City Women are gearing up for the 2025-26 Women's Super League (WSL) season with renewed determination after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign. The team finished fourth, missing out on Champions League qualification and failing to secure any silverware. As a result, the club underwent a summer reset, bringing in Andrée Jeglertz as the new head coach to revitalize the team.
Last Season's Performance
The 2024-25 season was a significant setback for Manchester City, especially considering their near miss in the 2023-24 season when they lost the title on goal difference. Their fourth-place finish was their worst in years, marking only the third time in 11 WSL seasons that they had fallen outside the top three. A major factor contributing to their disappointing performance was an unprecedented injury crisis that affected key players such as Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw, Vivianne Miedema, Lauren Hemp, and Alex Greenwood. The absence of these key players exposed a lack of squad depth, which Gareth Taylor, the then-manager, struggled to address. This ultimately led to Taylor's dismissal in March, with Nick Cushing stepping in as interim manager. Despite a strong start to the season, including a memorable victory against Barcelona, consistency eluded them, and they dropped points from winning positions. They were also runners-up in the League Cup.
Managerial Change and New Signings
Andrée Jeglertz's appointment as head coach signifies a fresh start for Manchester City. Jeglertz, formerly the coach of Denmark, brings a new tactical approach and is tasked with returning the club to its former glory. To bolster the squad, City has made several strategic signings, including defender Jade Rose, full-back Laura Wienroither, and midfielders Sydney Lohmann and Iman Beney. These additions aim to reinforce the defense and add dynamism to the midfield. However, the team has also parted ways with key players such as Chloe Kelly, Laia Aleixandri and Jill Roord.
Key Players
Despite last season's challenges, Manchester City boasts a squad brimming with talent. Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw, now wearing the iconic No. 9 shirt, remains a potent force in attack. Lauren Hemp is considered one of the best wingers in the league, and players like Yui Hasegawa and Alex Greenwood bring technical ability and leadership to the team. Mary Fowler is also expected to play a key role, having excelled in the previous season.
Expectations for 2025-26
The primary objective for Manchester City in the 2025-26 season is to secure a Champions League spot. With no European football to contend with this season, the team can focus entirely on domestic competitions. Improved squad depth and a fresh tactical approach under Jeglertz could see them challenging for the WSL title. However, they face stiff competition from Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United, who have all strengthened their squads.
Opening Fixtures
Manchester City's opening fixtures present a mixed bag of challenges. They start with a tough away game against Chelsea, followed by matches against Brighton, Tottenham, and newly-promoted London City Lionesses. Their fifth game is a home clash against Arsenal. These matches will be crucial in setting the tone for their season and testing their title credentials.
Conclusion
Manchester City Women are entering a new era under Andrée Jeglertz, aiming to bounce back from a disappointing previous season. With strategic signings and a talented squad, they are determined to compete for the top honors in the WSL and reclaim their place in the Champions League. The 2025-26 season promises to be a compelling one for the Cityzens as they look to shine once again.
