Manchester City reborn as Jeglertz puts WSL title in reach

After six consecutive years as champions, Chelsea now head to the Etihad nine points behind Manchester City, aware that only a win can prevent the title transferring to City’s outstretched arms. City have endured plenty of near misses since their last WSL triumph a decade ago, finishing second five times—or six if the 2017 Spring Series is included—and their flourishing form feels incongruous after they were 17 points adrift of Chelsea last season.

The upturn is not just down to avoiding the extensive injury list that hindered them previously or the ability to focus on the domestic campaign because they are not playing in Europe. The club took their time in appointing Andrée Jeglertz as head coach, and he has brought a soothing sense of calm, consistent messaging and measured media interventions.

“If the players are very happy, I need to be balanced; if the players are very disappointed, I need to be balanced,” he said after the London City Lionesses win, and those at the club praise his listening and people-management skills.

England, Manchester

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