Champions League absence can be a benefit for Manchester City says Roord | OneFootball

Manchester City midfielder Jill Roord says that a lack of European football can help boost the club’s title hopes this season.

The Cityzens finished the 2022/2023 Barclays Women’s Super League season in fourth place, narrowly missing out on another adventure in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. As a result, Gareth Taylor’s side’s full focus will be on domestic competitions this season.

When speaking to the WSL Press Pack, midfielder Roord said that Manchester City can benefit from their European absence. The player referred back to some of her experiences with former club VfL Wolfsburg last season, a team that surrendered domestic success for an extended European campaign.

“I know from experience with Wolfsburg last year, we lost the league title because we went so far in the Champions League,” Roord said.

“We had so many games and sometimes, that makes it difficult. I definitely think that it can help us (not being in Europe), however, it’s a very competitive league and we need to show up every game.”

Roord is Manchester City’s only signing of the summer transfer window. The player went on to say that moving to the Joie Stadium was an attractive proposition.

She said “I like challenges, I like new things. The possibility of a move came up and I had some conversations. I’ve always liked the way that City play and it suits me very well.

“In England, the league has developed so much and for me at City, it is an opportunity. I am excited to be here, to get better and hopefully, we can be successful.”

Manchester City were said to have broken the British transfer record to sign the midfielder. The Cityzens are believed to have paid more than £300,000 to secure her services. Roord goes into the new season without feeling any pressure of the price tag or being the only new arrival.

“No, there’s always pressure anyway,” Roord said. “I don’t feel any particular pressure being the club’s only signing.”

Manchester City kick-off the new season with a fixture against West Ham United at The Chigwell Construction Stadium on Sunday.