London City Lionesses showed how far they have progressed when they expressed deep disappointment following a narrow defeat by defending champions Manchester City. For a squad playing second-tier football just 18 months ago, lofty ambitions of securing a Champions League qualification spot suddenly appear entirely realistic.
Consistency and Maturity
Backed by US billionaire Michele Kang, independent club London City have disrupted the traditional order by spending heavily in the transfer window and securing a record-breaking Nike shirt deal worth over £3m a year. They have also constructed a private training facility in Kent and signed superstars such as Alexia Putellas, who showcased her latest Ballon d’Or trophy prior to kick-off. Despite possessing world-class talent, manager Eder Maestre told BBC Sport that the squad still needs time to gel and develop consistency.
“That’s why it’s a very frustrating situation. We were speaking a lot about respecting the identity and it doesn’t matter the team that we were facing,” Maestre stated. “The next step in that project was showing everybody that we can perform, while respecting that identity that we are trying to build on.”
Maestre added: “That’s why it’s doubly frustrating, because I think the result was not the one we deserve. Manchester City are more mature.”
During Sunday’s match at Hayes Lane, London City dominated large stretches and registered 24 shots, but only six were on target. Meanwhile, Manchester City demonstrated elite ruthlessness, scoring against the run of play through Khadija Shaw and Lauren Hemp to secure a 2-1 victory. Manchester City manager Andree Jeglertz noted that sustaining that level week after week is what separates the league leaders from challengers.
“They are a very good team and they really showed the highest level,” Jeglertz said. “What it means to be at the top of this league, is playing week after week, and at the same level – and finding different levels to win.”
UEFA Rules on Multi-Club Ownership
Current UEFA regulations dictate that owners cannot enter two separate clubs into the same competition, which presents a potential hurdle if London City qualify, as Kang also owns French club Lyon. However, chief executive officer Martin Semmens told BBC Sport that the club is focused on growth and believes the rules should adapt to encourage investment in the women’s game.
“First of all, what we feel is important, is to be part of the conversation,” Semmens stated. “The next stage is getting towards trophies. Our ambition is to be in Europe, to play in Europe every year, and to compete with the likes of Barcelona and Arsenal.”
Semmens concluded that the club fully respects existing regulations while remaining confident that logical solutions can be found to allow them to compete in Europe next season.
