Football Season Guide

Disappointing last season led to the sacking of the 5-year manager Taylor in March. Nearly saved the campaign and ended up finishing only a point outside the top 3. Big part for the struggles played the many injury issues to key players. Despite co-winning the Golden Boot star striker “Bunny” Shaw scored her 12 WSL goals in just 10 appearances. She was out for more than half of the season. With 3-4 other regulars also constantly missing from November onward City know that if fit they would have done much better. The new head coach is Swedish specialist Andrée Jeglertz. He was in charge of Denmark Women’s national team for the last 2 years. Brings lots of experience and progressive attacking tactics. The big change made by the new managerial staff was a full review and adjustments to the training practices. Lots of the injuries last term happened during training so improvement there should help a long way. “Bunny” Shaw is averaging more than a goal per game in the league for 3 consecutive years now. If she stays fit City will be impossible to contain. Promising winger Fowler and winter arrival Kerolin also need to maintain good health. If that happens City could easily have the best attack in the entire league. Not playing in the Champions League for the first time in several years should help a lot too. All the focus will be only on the domestic stage. Yui Hasegawa remains the main creative force in midfield. She had 9 assists last season. No other player in the entire WSL created more big chances than her – 61. Going forward her efforts will be supported even better. Added talented German playmaker Sydney Lohmann to the ranks this summer. Between her and Hasegawa City should have more than enough creativity in midfield. Important centre-back Risa Shimizu missed the entire last season injured. She’s expected to be back now. This immediately should boost the defensive stability. Captain Alex Greenwood will also hope to stay healthy after missing from January onward last season. When the pair start together City’s back line is much better.