The UEFA Women's EURO 2025 has been nothing short of enthralling, with intense matches, tactical fights, and the exciting ascent of new stars. Nowhere has this been more apparent than in Group B, widely dubbed the "Group of Death," featuring the reigning World Champions Spain and the resilient Italy, alongside a determined Portugal and a plucky Belgium. As the final group stage matches conclude today, let's dissect the journeys of these two titans of women's football – Spain and Italy – and analyze how they navigated This difficult group must secure their places in the coveted Final Eight. Spain: The Unstoppable Force of Group B Spain entered WEURO 2025 as the reigning World Champions, carrying the weight of expectation and the dazzling reputation they've built over the past few years. Led by their star-studded lineup including Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmatí, and Esther González, they were the undisputed favorites to top Group B. Their performances have not o...
The Etihad Campus exudes a reinvigorated sense of purpose. The whispers that have turned into confident roars have now been confirmed: Manchester City are set to appoint Denmark's Andrée Jeglertz as their new Women's Head Coach. While his official tenure begins after Euro 2025 with the Danish national team, the implications of this monumental decision are already reverberating through the Women's Super League (WSL) and beyond. This isn't merely a change in leadership; it's a strategic pivot, a bold statement of intent, and perhaps, the ignition of a new era of dominance for the Sky Blues.
For Manchester City Women, the last few seasons have been a tale of tantalizing potential marred by a frustrating inability to consistently clinch the biggest prizes. Gareth Taylor's departure earlier this year, following a fourth-place finish in the 2023/24 WSL campaign, underscored the club's unwavering ambition. They demand silverware, and the meticulous search that followed highlights their commitment to finding a leader capable of delivering it. In Jeglertz, they believe they have found that individual.
A Pedigree of Progress: Unpacking Jeglertz's Illustrious Career
Andrée Jeglertz, a 53-year-old Swede, joins Manchester City with a coaching resume that speaks loudly. His career spans over two decades, encompassing both men's and women's football at club and international levels. This diverse experience is a key asset, equipping him with a broad tactical understanding and adaptability that will be crucial in the fiercely competitive WSL.
His most notable achievements include leading Umeå IK to a UEFA Women's Cup triumph in 2004, the precursor to the Women's Champions League. This achievement, a decade and a half ago, is not just a historical footnote; it showcases his ability to build and lead a team to European glory. Under his tutelage, Umeå IK also secured four consecutive league titles and the Swedish Cup, demonstrating a capacity for sustained domestic success. He was twice recognized as Damallsvenskan Manager of the Year, a testament to his impact in one of Europe's strongest women's leagues.
Jeglertz's international management experience is equally impressive. He guided Finland to the Euros in 2013, a significant achievement for the Nordic nation, and was named Finnish Manager of the Year in 2012. His recent work with Denmark's national squad has had an especially great impact. He took over in a period of transition, masterminding their resurgence and successfully navigating them to the Euro 2025 tournament. This current campaign, culminating in his final matches with Denmark at the Euros, provides a live showcase of his tactical prowess on the biggest stage. His win rate with Denmark stands at a respectable 59.1%, having secured 13 wins out of 22 matches, with 41 goals scored and 30 conceded. These numbers, while not solely indicative of success, hint at a team that plays with intent and a coach who can extract results.
Crucially, Jeglertz's success has often come from building cohesive, ambitious squads. He has a reputation for developing players, a philosophy he consistently emphasizes. He seeks to "maximize the players," a phrase he uses frequently, indicating a deep commitment to individual growth alongside collective triumph. This player-centric approach aligns perfectly with Manchester City's academy philosophy and their investment in nurturing young talent.
The Tactical Blueprint: What to Expect on the Pitch
Jeglertz has outlined a coaching philosophy centered on "free-flowing, attacking football" and "player development." He expressed his desire to "control the games with the ball mostly," which suggests a possession-based approach that will resonate with the traditional Manchester City style of play. This emphasis on fluent, attacking football will undoubtedly excite the Etihad faithful.
However, his tactical acumen extends beyond mere possession. While with Denmark, he has demonstrated a willingness to adapt his tactical approach, even being "a bit more cautious and playing a bit more direct" when facing formidable opponents like Sweden. This tactical flexibility is a vital characteristic for success in the WSL, where teams like Chelsea and Arsenal possess diverse strengths and require varied approaches. When out of possession, he prioritizes winning the ball back "as quickly as possible, and as high up as possible," indicating an aggressive pressing style that will seek to suffocate opponents.
His past successes, particularly with Umeå IK, saw him nurture and develop a young Marta, who went on to become a six-time world player of the year. This historical detail underscores his ability to identify and cultivate world-class talent. For a Manchester City squad already brimming with established stars and promising youngsters, Jeglertz's focus on individual development could unlock new levels of performance and solidify their position as a breeding ground for elite female footballers.
A Four-Year Vision: Stability and Sky-Blue Ambition
The reported four-year contract offered to Jeglertz is a significant statement of intent from Manchester City. In a sport often characterized by short-termism and quick-fire changes, this long-term commitment signals a desire for stability and a clearly articulated project. Therese Sjogran, a former Swedish international, complimented Jeglertz for his "wealth of experience at the top of the game as well as a genuine desire to drive Manchester City forward." This synergy between the coaching staff and the club's leadership is vital for a successful long-term strategy.
City's ambition is clear: to be not just contenders, but sustained threats in every competition. Since their last WSL triumph in 2016, the landscape of women's football has shifted considerably. The rise of domestic and European powerhouses such as Chelsea, Arsenal, and Barcelona has established a punishing standard. Jeglertz's challenge is to bridge the gap and propel City back to the summit. He articulated this ambition plainly: "I want to continue the job that's been done and take it to the next level... We would like to win, develop players, and I want to see the players progress each day."
Effects on the Squad and the WSL Landscape
The arrival of Jeglertz will undoubtedly have a huge impact on the current Manchester City Women's squad. While he has expressed confidence in the "world class quality already at his disposal," he has also hinted at further summer signings, with Director of Football Therese Sjogran leading on transfer strategy. This indicates a proactive approach to strengthening the squad where necessary, especially given the departures of key players like Laia Aleixandri, Jill Roord, and Chloe Kelly.
For existing players, Jeglertz's emphasis on individual development will be a significant motivator. Players will be keen to impress and demonstrate their ability to adapt to his preferred style of play. The competition for starting spots will intensify, fostering a healthy environment of continuous improvement.
From a Fantasy Premier League (FPL) perspective, Jeglertz's appointment could be a game-changer for Manchester City Women's assets. His commitment to attacking, fluent football suggests a high-scoring team, which could translate into increased goal and assist returns for City's forwards and midfielders. The emphasis on winning the ball back high up the pitch could also lead to more attacking opportunities and, consequently, more FPL points. However, the exact tactical nuances and preferred starting XI will need to be observed closely once the season begins.
The competitive landscape of the WSL in 2025/26 is set to be more intense than ever. Chelsea, under new leadership themselves, will be eager to maintain their dominance, while Arsenal will be pushing hard for a return to the top. Manchester United and other ambitious clubs are also continually strengthening. Jeglertz's ability to quickly implement his philosophy and foster a winning mentality will be critical for City to navigate this challenging environment.
Beyond the Pitch: A Comprehensive Approach to Success
Jeglertz's perspective goes beyond tactical formations and match results. He has highlighted the importance of a "close bond between the playing squad and staff," emphasizing the human element of team building. His belief in "constant innovation and personal development" suggests a coach who is always looking to evolve and stay ahead of the curve. The new purpose-built Women's building at the Etihad Campus will undoubtedly provide the ideal environment for this holistic approach to player and team development.
His experience in other leagues and cultures will also be useful. He has witnessed the rapid development of the women's game firsthand and understands the need for adaptability and fresh perspectives. This global outlook will benefit Manchester City as they continue to compete on both domestic and European fronts.
The Road Ahead: A New Chapter Beckons
As Andrée Jeglertz prepares to take the reins, there's a palpable sense of anticipation. His appointment signals a clear direction for Manchester City Women – one of ambitious, attacking football, player development, and a relentless pursuit of silverware. The legacy of his predecessors, particularly Gareth Taylor, laid a foundation of talent and potential. Now, it falls to Jeglertz to build upon that, to inject a fresh impetus, and to guide the Sky Blues back to the pinnacle of women's football.
The journey will not be without its challenges. The WSL is unforgiving, and European competition is increasingly demanding. However, with Jeglertz's proven track record, his clear ideology, and the unflinching support of the Manchester City management, the future seems quite promising. This is more than just a new coach; it's a statement of intent, a commitment to excellence, and the beginning of what could be a truly transformative era for Manchester City Women. The blue reign is set to be reimagined, and the world of women's football will be watching closely.
~~~ By Dribble Diaries
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