Manchester City have set their stall out scarily early. Captain Alex Greenwood did so in pre-season. "A true champion is someone who goes and wins again. A winner might be one-off. But a champion does it over and over."

Beginning the new campaign with back-to-back victories - the only team to do so - is testament to Greenwood's belief that there is a clear distinction between being a winner and being a champion. Becoming a champion is a process of progression, one that can only be achieved by consistently backing up what has already been accomplished.

Only one side has maximum points after the first two match rounds of this term, something that has not happened since 2015. Already, the WSL holders appear to be the ones to beat, picking up their baton and attacking the first leg of the race like consummate professionals. They have left the red half of Manchester for dust.

Greenwood herself has been a pillar of consistency under Andree Jeglertz. The beauty of this Manchester City team, actually, is how the sum of all its parts makes such a complete whole, bound together by one guiding rule: "We always find a way".

In conversation at Man City's training base, before a ball was kicked, the 32-year-old explains that her approach to this season will be framed differently. Because you are title holders, I surmise, rather presumptuously? Not the case.

"I needed a mental switch off," she replies, "this summer I had freedom, no schedule, and that is why I feel so fresh now. I can't remember the last time I got that long off, so I definitely enjoyed it."

Plenty changed for Greenwood over her summer of rest, not least getting engaged to long-term partner Jack, despite trying to bail on the plans they had on the evening of the proposal, not knowing what was about to happen.

"If I'm being really honest, the day of, I tried to cancel plans," she continues, smiling at the thought of it. "I wasn't in the mood to go out. But Jack told me he'd paid a heavy deposit on the restaurant. He played it very cool, didn't give much away, and it was amazing."

Beyond that, Greenwood describes this summer as a "necessary reset". The responsibility she carries as a captain means she constantly has "tabs open", unable to completely switch off from the demands of her own high standards as well as the team's. Like a never-ending homework assignment.

"I'm not the kind of person to turn it all off, I'm on the majority of the time. I reflect a lot. I needed a break, because a captain has a huge role off the pitch. But I'm lucky with the dressing room we have, it's an open environment to speak. I'm not the only one with the authority to make big calls."

Ruminating on last season should conjure fond memories. City were the dominant force, WSL leaders from early November and worthy winners of their first title in a decade. The football was freer, more inventive - guided by Jeglertz's philosophy rather than burdened by it.

Reinvention happened all over the pitch, from player to player, game to game. Opponents braced before playing City, not knowing what to expect or how to predict their ever-evolving patterns of play. Even when they were unremarkable, they almost always got the job done.

"I get asked a lot about pressure, and certain results made for pressure moments last season. We don't enjoy to lose. But in reality, we were in control. That helps with your preparation, with everything really. We had setbacks but we also had a safety net. That is what we do, always find a way."

City have edge now, a brand of nastiness that felt absent in previous title chases despite getting close. They did not need complete overhaul. "The manager made subtle differences with big results," Greenwood says. Jeglertz describes the adjustment as "never being satisfied", an unappeasable need to improve to a painstaking level of detail.

"He's very open to challenge," Greenwood adds. "He invites it. He wants us to challenge him and each other. It's such a competitive league. Teams have strengthened so much this summer, I love it. We remind each other we are winners, that fuels us to want to remain that. But we have huge respect for the level of opposition we face."

Man City have momentum on their side. They have developed multiple solutions for most problems. Gone are the days where their mental toughness is questioned after one stray result. The complication now is to maintain standards across every competition while also playing in Europe.

"I live for European nights," Greenwood says, touching on her frustration at having to watch last season's Champions League play out from her living room. "Do you know how hard it is to watch those games and not be involved?"

These are questions with implications that extend well beyond pre-season. How will City cope with the increased demands? Can they adapt to the relentless rhythm of three games a week? And does the squad possess enough depth and quality to compete on every front?

"We weren't there last year and we have to use that feeling to our advantage," insists Greenwood. "We cannot waste our opportunity."

City spent a decade trying to unlock the secret to becoming a WSL winner. The team has been furnished with everything it needs to stay that way: A new £10m training facility, an inspirational manager with aspirational targets, an influx of WSL-ready talent. And of course they have Bunny Shaw. The PFA player of the year is already off to a flyer.

In a Women's Super League season where consistency has already hampered their biggest rivals, City's will to win appears more resolute than ever. They do not intend to be a one hit wonder. They have worked too hard to just be considered winners. They want to qualify as champions.

Watch Man City vs Liverpool live on Sky Sports+ on Friday from 6.30pm; kick-off 7pm