Gareth Taylor explains what he hopes will lead Man City to success | OneFootball

Gareth Taylor is confident that Manchester City's "improved options" will help them as the 2024/25 campaign progresses across the WSL and Women's Champions League.

City are sitting top of the league after their most recent 2-0 win over West Ham at the weekend, seeing them make maintain an unbeaten start t othe season across all competitions.

Goals from Lauren Hemp and Mary Fowler clinched the three points against the Hammers. However, the club's schedule is about to go up a gear as they prepare to play their first ever Champions League group game this week, having not previously qualified in the current format. It is baptism of fire as well, hosting reigning European champions Barcelona.

But, speaking at the Joie Stadium shortly after the West Ham clash, Taylor insisted that every player will have an important role as they compete in multiple competitions.

"A clean sheet again and we've started off the season well," he said. "It's always nice to have back-to-back home games and we have a couple more to come before the international break.

"I'm really pleased. We changed a few things obviously with new personnel coming in. We have to be patient in letting them settle and finding their rhythm."

Lauren Hemp helped see off the Hammers / Ben Roberts Photo/GettyImages

City made exciting additions during the summer transfer window, including the signings of Vivianne Miedema, Aoba Fujino, Ayaka Yamashita and Naomi Layzell.

The club also penned a deal with Risa Shimizu, but she's yet to make an appearance after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury representing Japan at the 2024 Olympics in France.

"Second half I felt we needed that injection from the sidelines and we got that with Bunny [Shaw] and Aoba [Fujino]," added Taylor. "We've got improved options I feel this season now which is going to help the team.

"Sometimes we've been really trying to push that [importance within the whole squad]. The modern game is not the XI starters are going to be ones to finish the game.

"We have starters and finishers, we have players who don't het a look-in today - Jess Park is an example who is nursing a slight knock - she'll be fine.

"We've got really good players there who are able to be a part of this and they need to be ready on every single moment because we're never sure wha the game is going to give us."