Captain Alex Greenwood from Manchester City said that she was “shocked” by the decision to dismiss head coach Gareth Taylor five days before the final of the Women's League Cup.
City has experienced a decline in shape since he missed the Super League of the ladies' Super League title last year and is fourth in the table this season.
They are 12 points behind leaders Chelsea, while they are also an point behind the third Arsenal for a European place, where the Gunners also have a game in hand.
However, Taylor led his way to the last phases of three cup matches, with the city still contrary to the Women's Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.
The 52-year-old helped the burgers to the FA Cup in 2020 and the League Cup two years later and won 117 of his 161 games that were in charge of all the competitions (D15 L29).
“I had to digest it – I was clearly very shocked when I was told for the first time, because it wasn't something I expected,” said Greenwood.
“Ultimately, the decision was made and we must respect the decision and trust the decision.”
Women in Manchester City have said goodbye to head coach Gareth Taylor.
– Manchester City (@Mancity) March 10, 2025
Greenwood added that she was no longer told why the club made the decision, but said that her only focus was on the final of this weekend in Pride Park.
“My role as a captain is to bring the team together and to ensure that the focus remains the same – which is on the final on Saturday and the series of competitions we have come.
“Of course I was shocked by the news. I think the focus quickly shifted to what the next step is, which is important for the team and that is the final on Saturday.”
City has returned to their former coach, Nick Cushing, who led the team between 2013 and 2020 and delivered the only WSL crown of the club in 2016.
Cushing, who recently managed New York City FC in the MLS, also won the FA Cup in 2017 and two competition heads in 2014 and 2016 with the citizens.
“We were enthusiastic about that appointment because he knows the club really well,” called Greenwood.
“He has been here before, he comes with a huge history of winning and his mentality to win is unparalleled. I had a very good conversation with him on Tuesday morning.
“He had a great meeting with the team – a whole, very positive one.
“In the end it was about winning and what is feasible, which we have to concentrate on, which is in the first place on Saturday.”
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