FIT FOR PURPOSE! City Bouncing Back?

As they enter a new era, Gethin Thurlow evaluates Manchester City, looking to bounce back after a poor season in 2024-25. Rejuvenated by injury returns, a lack of European football to manage and some exciting new signings, City look poised to fight at the top once more.

Head Coach: With a long history in the game, new manager Andree Jergletz brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Manchester City as they look to finally bring the success to the club that its players warrant.

Jergletz won the Champions League with Umea in 2004 and has had success throughout the last two decades across various clubs, with a spell as the Finnish national coach in the mix. His last job went poorly however, as his contract was not extended as the Danish team head coach, and they lost all three games at the Euros.

New Signings: Iman Beney, Eartha Cumings, Sydney Lohmann, Jade Rose, Laura Wienroither

Outlook: Having been decimated by Injuries to so many key players last year, the focus of the summer was just ensuring they’d all come back as fit as possible. There are good signs for City as they look to have a full squad available, aside from Mary Fowler.

The big thing that will look different is the tactics. Andree Jergletz will be their first ever manager from outside the City Group. This is significant because the ‘City way’ is so ingrained in those coaches as a unique and almost scientific approach to football tactics. While he will still look to play attacking football and dominate possession, there won’t be such a rigid system for the first time in this team’s history.

Having Lauren Hemp, Kerolin and Aoba Fujino (above, right) all fit at the same time will be a first for City. And once you add driving midfielder Sydney Lohmann (above, centre) and Swiss youngster Iman Beney – who excited us all in July – into the mix, then you have one of the best attacks in the league.

With Bunny Shaw (above left) and Viv Miedema also back fit, there is no reason Manchester City can’t return to the title-chasing form of 2022, although with Arsenal a genuine competitor now and Chelsea ever-present, claiming a second WSL title is a huge ask for this club.

Will Finish: 2nd