Greenwood outlines her captaincy style | OneFootball

Alex Greenwood says she hopes to be a source of support to her team-mates in good and bad moments after being named Manchester City captain.

Having been a member of our leadership group across her four years at the Club so far, the defender has been given the armband following Steph Houghton’s retirement at the end of last term.

Throughout her time at the Joie Stadium, the England international has established herself as one of world football’s finest performers – helping us to the 2020 FA Cup and 2022 Continental Cup.

Due to her outstanding displays, she was also named in the FIFPRO Women’s World 11 in 2023 before playing a crucial role in City boasting the best defensive record across the 2023/24 WSL season.

Now, Greenwood is City’s captain on a full-time basis, and she revealed the leadership blueprint she hopes to execute, and the emphasis she’ll place on being a supportive figure to her team-mates on and off the pitch.

WATCH: 240917_GREENWOOD_CAPTAINCY_INTERVIEW_WIDE

She said: “It’s probably more important [the off-pitch leadership role]. We’re human beings before we’re footballers at the end of the day.

“Everyone has a life away from the game and I respect that. If you can be honest with people and understand they’re also human, it plays a massive role in getting the best out of the players on the pitch.

“For me, that’s so important and something I’ve learned in my career.

“Not every day is 100% but bring every percentage of what you’ve got to that day.

“That’s all we ask of each other and if we can get the best out of each other every single day then I believe this team will be really successful.”

Following Houghton’s retirement, Greenwood’s appointment as captain means she’s only the second player to assume to position since our professional relaunch in 2014.

Across the former’s illustrious spell at City, she led us to eight major honours with distinction while setting new standards within the women’s game.

And Greenwood has paid tribute to Houghton and the influence she continues to have on her after collecting the armband ahead of the 2024/25.

“The legacy that Steph has left is something I’m still in awe of,” she added.

“She’s still a person I lean on to this day, I speak to her a lot and will take a lot of advice from her.

“I was really fortunate to be alongside her in the four seasons I’ve been here. I gravitated towards her a lot and learned so much which I can use in my leadership role and bring my personality to it as well.

“I’m very grateful to have her and still have her around to help and guide me through this process.”