Man City Knows What It Needs to Win the WSL Title, Says Manager Gareth Taylor
Manchester City has been one of the standout teams in the Women’s Super League (WSL) in recent years, but despite their impressive performances, they have not been able to win the title since 2016. Last season was a prime example of their struggles, as they finished runners-up to Chelsea on goal difference. However, according to manager Gareth Taylor, the team knows what it needs to do to take that next step and win the title.
Taylor, who is the longest-serving manager currently in the WSL, believes that the team’s experiences, particularly from last season, will serve as fuel to drive them forward. “Sometimes you work tremendously hard like we did last season and things don’t quite go your way,” he said in a recent interview. “That’s not to say that we’re not incredibly proud of what we did. The one thing we can take, is we know exactly what we have to do now to win the title.”
Taylor’s comments come at the start of a new season, where City will be looking to build on their impressive performances from last year. The team has made some key signings during the transfer window, including the addition of several top players who are expected to make an immediate impact.
Learning from Last Season’s Disappointment
As Taylor mentioned, last season was a disappointment for City, particularly in the way they lost out on the title. The team’s agonizing 2-1 home loss to Arsenal in their penultimate game, coupled with Chelsea’s 8-0 win over Bristol City, proved decisive in the outcome. However, Taylor is keen to emphasize that the team is not dwelling on the disappointment and is instead using it as a learning experience.
“That’s not to say that we’re not incredibly proud of what we did,” he said. “The one thing we can take, is we know exactly what we have to do now to win the title. We have to use that as fuel, whether it be in the Champions League, or in the WSL, to really use all of those experiences, use all of that knowledge and really push on.”
Taylor’s comments are echoed by the team’s players, who are eager to put last season’s disappointment behind them and focus on the new season. “We’re completely aware of what we need to do to go to that next step,” said Taylor. “People can look at trophies as being the be-all and end-all. Don’t get me wrong, I’m here to win. Of course we want to be there. But the fact we are going deep in pretty much in all competitions is what we’re about and of course there can only be one team that wins.”
Chelsea’s Dominance in the WSL
Chelsea’s dominance in the WSL is well-documented, with the team winning seven of the last eight titles. However, Taylor is keen to emphasize that City is not intimidated by Chelsea’s success and is instead focused on its own goals.
“Sometimes you work tremendously hard like we did last season and things don’t quite go your way,” he said. “That’s not to say that we’re not incredibly proud of what we did. The one thing we can take, is we know exactly what we have to do now to win the title.”
Chelsea’s success is largely due to the team’s mental strength, according to former manager Emma Hayes. However, Taylor rejected the suggestion that City is unable to cope with the pressure. “I’d never say that because we have a team of winners,” he said. “We have players who have won. Obviously the WSL title is what we want. I’ve never hidden away that it’s the title that I really want to bring to the club.”
Reasons Behind Chelsea’s Success
So what are the reasons behind Chelsea’s success in the WSL? According to Taylor, it is due to a combination of factors, including the team’s mental strength, its experienced players, and its ability to adapt to different situations.
“People just quickly assimilate that because you win time after time, like Chelsea have done, that they have good mental toughness,” he said. “So for the ones who don’t, is it that they’re lacking? Until you win, can you be classed in that bracket? It’s really subjective to look at it from that way.”
Copied or Improved? City’s Transfer Strategy
City has made some key signings during the transfer window, including the addition of several top players who are expected to make an immediate impact. However, some critics have questioned the team’s transfer strategy, suggesting that it is simply copying Chelsea’s approach.
Taylor rejected this suggestion, emphasizing that the team’s signings are part of a long-term strategy to build a successful team. “We’re completely aware of what we need to do to go to that next step,” he said. “People can look at trophies as being the be-all and end-all. Don’t get me wrong, I’m here to win. Of course we want to be there. But the fact we are going deep in pretty much in all competitions is what we’re about and of course there can only be one team that wins.”
Champions League Prospects
City’s prospects in the Champions League are also looking good, with the team making some key signings during the transfer window. However, Taylor is keen to emphasize that the team’s focus is on the WSL, rather than the Champions League.
“We’re completely aware of what we need to do to go to that next step,” he said. “People can look at trophies as being the be-all and end-all. Don’t get me wrong, I’m here to win. Of course we want to be there. But the fact we are going deep in pretty much in all competitions is what we’re about and of course there can only be one team that wins.”
What Does the Future Hold for City?
So what does the future hold for City? According to Taylor, the team is focused on building on its impressive performances from last year and using its experiences to drive it forward. “We’re completely aware of what we need to do to go to that next step,” he said. “People can look at trophies as being the be-all and end-all. Don’t get me wrong, I’m here to win. Of course we want to be there. But the fact we are going deep in pretty much in all competitions is what we’re about and of course there can only be one team that wins.”
The team’s prospects in the WSL and the Champions League are looking good, and with Taylor at the helm, City is well-placed to build on its impressive performances from last year.
External Link: Women’s Super League – Wikipedia
With a strong squad and a determined manager, Man City is well-placed to make a statement in the WSL and the Champions League. According to Taylor, the team knows what it needs to do to take that next step and win the title. With its experiences from last year serving as fuel to drive it forward, City is geared up for a successful season.
Sources:
BBC Sport
UEFA Champions League
Notes:
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