City secured the title with one match remaining, finishing six points ahead of runners-up Chelsea last season.
The triumph brought Chelsea’s six-year reign to an end and gave manager Andree Jeglertz his first major honour with City during his debut season in England.
Having no European fixtures, a talented squad and the good fortune to keep important players healthy were all crucial to their success—but what lessons did the team take from the campaign?
Captain Alex Greenwood said the squad discovered what it takes to win a championship.
She explained that City had narrowly missed out several times before, but everything finally fell into place last season.
City will face different demands this season as their return to European competition creates a more crowded fixture list.
Their squad depth will come under greater pressure, although leading scorer Khadija Shaw provided a major boost by agreeing to a new contract instead of potentially moving to Chelsea.
The additions of England internationals Mead and Charles have strengthened the squad, while Brazilian attacker Kerolin departed for Barcelona.
Other clubs have also reinforced their teams. Spain full-back Ona Batlle and England midfielder Georgia Stanway moved to Arsenal, London City Lionesses recruited two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, and Tottenham strengthened their attack by bringing in Kirsty Hanson and Shekiera Martinez.
Greenwood remains unconcerned by the progress of rival teams. Her message to her colleagues is consistent, although she believes City must continue developing.
She stressed that consistency, team culture and carefully chosen language all matter, because messages repeated regularly eventually become standard practice.
Greenwood added that the players embraced the mentality and standards of champions last year, with everyone fully committed to the shared objective.
However, she does not want the team simply to repeat last season’s approach, as previous success does not guarantee another title. Rivals will develop, and City must progress as well.
Her view is that City should make measured adjustments, raise their level and preserve the qualities that worked particularly well last season—all while continuing to enjoy the challenge.
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