'Man City are not champions' - Why Greenwood's claim should scare rivals

In conversation with Sky Sports before the start of the season, Man City captain Alex Greenwood explains her desire to lead a team of champions - not just winners; watch Man City vs Liverpool live on Sky Sports+ on Friday; kick-off 7pm

Manchester City have set their stall out scarily early. Captain Alex Greenwood did so in pre-season. "A true champion is someone who goes and wins again. A winner might be one-off. But a champion does it over and over."

Beginning the new campaign with back-to-back victories - the only team to do so - is testament to Greenwood's belief that there is a clear distinction between being a winner and being a champion. Becoming a champion is a process of progression, one that can only be achieved by consistently backing up what has already been accomplished.

Only one side has maximum points after the first two match rounds of this term, something that has not happened since 2015. Already, the WSL holders appear to be the ones to beat, picking up their baton and attacking the first leg of the race like consummate professionals. They have left the red half of Manchester for dust.

Greenwood herself has been a pillar of consistency under Andree Jeglertz. The beauty of this Manchester City team, actually, is how the sum of all its parts makes such a complete whole, bound together by one guiding rule: "We always find a way".

In conversation at Man City's training base, before a ball was kicked, the 32-year-old explains that her approach to this season will be framed differently. Because you are title holders, I surmise, rather presumptuously? Not the case.

"I needed a mental switch off," she replies, "this summer I had freedom, no schedule, and that is why I feel so fresh now. I can't remember the last time I got that long off, so I definitely enjoyed it."

Plenty changed for Greenwood over her summer of rest, not least getting engaged to long-term partner Jack, despite trying to bail on the plans they had on the evening of the proposal, not knowing what was about to happen.

"If I'm being really honest, the day of, I tried to cancel plans," she continues, smiling at the thought of it. "I wasn't in the mood to go out. But Jack told me he'd paid a heavy deposit on the restaurant. He played it very cool, didn't give much away, and it was amazing."

Beyond that, Greenwood describes this summer as a "necessary reset". The responsibility she carries as a captain means she constantly has "tabs open", unable to completely switch off from the demands of her own high standards as well as the team's. Like a never-ending homework assignment.

"I'm not the kind of person to turn it all off, I'm on the majority of the time. I reflect a lot. I needed a break, because a captain has a huge role off the pitch. But I'm lucky with the dressing room we have, it's an open environment to speak. I'm not the only one with the authority to make big calls."

Ruminating on last season should conjure fond memories. City were the dominant force, WSL leaders from early November and worthy winners of their first title in a decade.