Khadija Shaw has warned the WSL that Manchester City is determined to challenge for the title this season after a disappointing previous year. With a new manager and a renewed focus, Shaw emphasizes the team’s seriousness and commitment to success. Despite past setbacks, including injuries, City is poised to make a strong comeback and compete for the top spot in the league.
Khadija Shaw has delivered a resounding message to the Women's Super League (WSL), declaring that Manchester City is fully focused on challenging for the title in the upcoming season. Following a disappointing fourth-place finish last season, Shaw insists the team is "100% serious" and ready to compete at the highest level.
The 2024-25 season was marked by inconsistency and injuries for Manchester City, resulting in a 17-point gap between them and WSL champions Chelsea. Their performance translated to their worst points-per-game ratio in a decade. The team also failed to secure a Champions League spot, and manager Gareth Taylor was dismissed during the season, adding to the challenges faced by the squad.
However, Shaw, a two-time WSL Golden Boot winner, is confident that the team will bounce back stronger in the 2025-26 season. "We left games last season knowing results slipped through our fingers," Shaw told Sky Sports. While acknowledging the impact of injuries, she firmly stated, "We suffered from injuries, but I’m not one to make excuses. We weren’t good enough." Shaw herself spent a significant amount of time on the treatment table, playing only 892 minutes in the league. Despite her limited playing time, she still managed to tie with Arsenal’s Alessia Russo for the league’s top goalscorer with 12 goals.
"This season, we're not about that; it’s strictly business," Shaw asserted. "Last year was humbling, and we are 100% serious about what we want. Ain't no playing now." This declaration underscores the team's determination to approach the new season with unwavering focus and commitment.
Manchester City will begin their campaign under the guidance of a new manager, Andree Jeglertz, who is expected to bring a more direct style of play to the team. "With Andre, it’s about how we can put ourselves in the best position going forward. If that means it takes two passes to goal, we have to do that," Shaw explained. She added that Jeglertz aims to provide the players with the freedom to express themselves on the pitch, which she believes will particularly benefit the attacking players. "Andree wants us to win and will give freedom, whatever that looks like, and I think attacking players flourish that way."
Shaw believes that if the team can execute the manager's vision effectively, they have the potential to be a formidable force. "If we can get it right on the pitch, we can be deadly, we can be unstoppable if we focus on the fine details the manager wants. For sure, you are going to see goals."
Pre-season prep is almost complete
We return to @BarclaysWSL action THIS WEEK! pic.twitter.com/0MgRqk8mCi
— Manchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) September 1, 2025
According to Opta's supercomputer predictions, City is expected to finish ahead of reigning European champions Arsenal, although still behind Chelsea. Shaw’s individual record of a goal every 74 minutes, which was the best among forwards in the top domestic leagues in Spain, France, and Germany last year, underscores her importance to City’s ambitions.
Manchester City is set to start their Women’s Super League campaign with a challenging away game against defending champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Friday. This match will serve as an early test of their title credentials and provide an opportunity to demonstrate their readiness to compete at the highest level.