Andree Jeglertz highlighted the mental barrier of finishing as runners-up as a key challenge for Manchester City. Their recent 1-1 draw with Brighton confirmed their Women's Super League championship, ending a decade-long wait for the title.
Key points
Andree Jeglertz described the final moments of the Arsenal vs Brighton match as painful.
Manchester City confirmed their Women's Super League championship with a 1-1 draw.
City has finished as runners-up six times since their last championship a decade ago.
Jeglertz highlighted the psychological hurdle of coming second as a major barrier.
Changing the team's mindset was identified as a key to their success.
Mentioned in this story
Andree Jeglertz
Manchester CityArsenalBrightonWomen's Super League
Andree Jeglertz described the closing moments of Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Brighton, the result that confirmed Manchester City as champions, as "painful". The team watched the game huddled together at City's Academy Stadium, poised to pop the champagne. It was a nervous wait.
A rendition of 'championes, championes, ole, ole, ole' greeted the final whistle as City's triumph came into full focus. This title has been theoretically theirs for weeks, leaders of the Women's Super League since November, but the finish line has tripped them before.
Since they were last crowned champions a decade ago, they have finished runners-up six times - seven reaching back to 2015. The psychological hurdle of coming second was identified quickly by Jeglertz as his biggest barrier to success. Changing that mindset is perhaps his greatest conquest.
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Manchester City Women and Andree Jeglertz
Manchester City Women celebrate as Arsenal draw with Brighton to gift them first WSL title in ten years and head coach Andree Jeglertz gives a speech congratulating the whole team.
"There was one thing that I felt early with this group, of course it's about the quality, but we had to start talking like we could win," he told Sky Sports, slightly jaded from a night of celebrations.
What did Andree Jeglertz say about Manchester City's championship win?
Andree Jeglertz described the closing moments of the game as 'painful' but acknowledged the significance of overcoming the psychological hurdle of finishing as runners-up.
How long has it been since Manchester City last won the Women's Super League?
Manchester City last won the Women's Super League a decade ago, having finished as runners-up six times since then.
What was the result of the match that confirmed Manchester City as champions?
The match that confirmed Manchester City as champions ended in a 1-1 draw between Arsenal and Brighton.
What mindset change did Jeglertz identify as crucial for Manchester City's success?
Jeglertz identified changing the mindset around the psychological barrier of finishing second as crucial for Manchester City's success.
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"We did that back in October. The players also said we have to start talking about being good enough to win. That's my job, to create that winning mentality."
Building to this point has happened over many seasons, many transfer windows, and many evolutions of a team. It took many setbacks, too. City suffered a shock 3-2 defeat to Brighton a fortnight ago that threatened to derail their campaign, before labouring to a last-gasp 1-0 win over Liverpool at the weekend.
Those who have followed their season closely will also remember a sobering defeat to Chelsea on the opening day. Few had faith in their credentials back then, but inside camp the feeling was one of optimism and opportunity.
For all their very many spectacular goals and performances, it's been those nail-biting moments of relentless toil that have impressed the Swede most. Finally, City have proven they can match style with substance. "We've had a couple of late goals for a win during the year and I think that shows the mentality of the group. We've always found a way.
"Different ways to win, corners, transitions, other ways, but we always have belief. That's the major thing. There is a lot of great footballers, amazing quality in the squad. But they also show that it's not individuals who win a title.
"We've built together a culture that is the foundation - how we train, how we play, how we interact with each other. If you get the culture right you have possibilities. You definitely notice that for players, staff, and the club, working towards building a programme that can win titles means a lot for a lot of people."
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Man City are indeed compelling champions. They have navigated the pressure and used their advantage over rivals to its fullest. An absence of European football has allowed for complete and total dedication to domestic competitions, with the chance to win a league and FA Cup double still alive.
They will not get that same luxury next season after earning re-entry to the Champions League, but Jeglertz is confident his squad are capable of the juggling act. His next, and arguably even harder, task is how to turn this first trophy into a cycle of continued success with a squad that has the potential to dominate for years to come.
"It's very easy to say that you should enjoy it but at the same time we've been top of the table since November and we've dealt with it very well," he added.
"Of course there has been pressure, we've been good as a group at handling it. I don't know if 'enjoy' is right. Standing here today as champions shows that we did it good. This is a club that always deserves to be playing in the Champions League. We're enjoying this moment but there is no problem to motivate the team for more.
