Can one coach turn a star‑laden roster into a cohesive unit? This summer saw big names arrive at London City Lionesses, yet head coach Eder Maestre bears the job of shaping them into a team.
Critics wondered how Maestre would juggle established starters and newcomers while Michele Kang pushes for a shake‑up of the traditional power trio and a European spot.
The results speak loudly: the Bromley club sits third with 16 points, seven clear of Arsenal, proving the signings are more than marquee names.
So how exactly has Maestre pulled this off?
“We aim to build strong values that reflect the identity we’re crafting. Coming off solid foundations last season, we’re simply extending that base,” Maestre said.
“Our style—pressing aggressively, winning the ball quickly—resonates with the squad because everyone craves possession and chance creation,” he added.
“Translating that intent into match efficiency is the real challenge, given the chemistry we must nurture. Overall, I’m very pleased,” he noted.
Putellas and Van de Donk impact
Mentioning London City without Alexia Putellas feels impossible. On Monday she clinched a record‑tying third Ballon d’Or, the first ever for a player at a current WSL club.
Her impact in southeast London grows each game. As the league’s top scorer so far, she links defence and attack, a fact highlighted by the pass map below.
“Alexia is Alexia,” Maestre smiled. “That’s why she instantly clicks with the surrounding players.”
“Her comeback from injury, her drive to regain shape and chase that third Ballon d’Or shows her daily quest to improve,” he observed.
“That energy, leadership, and attention to detail push everyone forward. Having such players is a privilege beyond their individual talent,” he said.
“She also serves as a mirror for younger teammates, illustrating the price of reaching elite levels. Consistency like hers doesn’t come cheap,” Maestre added.
Another under‑the‑radar star is Danielle van de Donk. After a injury‑hit previous season, she has returned spectacularly, tallying eight goal involvements in eight appearances across all competitions.
“She endured a tough injury spell last year,” Maestre explained. “It’s frustrating to lose a player who injects energy, but she’s now fit and performing brilliantly.”
“On the pitch she embodies the identity we aspire to, and even from the bench her leadership lifts the whole process. Watching her give her best is pure pleasure,” he remarked.
‘Beating a top‑three side is the next step’
Statistically the Lionesses match the champions in many areas, yet they’ve never beaten a traditional top‑three side. For my money, Maestre’s blend of experience and ambition is the smartest strategy in the league. He admits that securing such wins is the next milestone.
A victory this weekend would see London City level on points with Manchester City and Chelsea, however briefly, thrusting them into serious title contention.
“We’re progressing, securing solid results away at clubs like Tottenham, but we must learn to overcome top teams,” Maestre stated.
“Our biggest test arrives against Manchester City, last season’s champions,” he noted.
“If we can showcase our readiness while staying true to our identity, delivering a strong performance and a win, it signals our claim to the league’s top spot,” he asserted.
“Many coaches speak of the difficulty in building a winning project; it requires repeated winning behaviours, not just a handful of good games,” he explained.
“Big clubs stay big because they maintain consistency. It’s not about a single peak but about steady performance, so humility remains essential,” he added.
Numbers back the optimism: London City have netted eight goals in the first 30 minutes of WSL matches this season—the league’s highest—while Manchester City’s defence shows cracks.
The champions have allowed nine goals in seven league games, more than double their tally at the same point in 2025/26 (4), marking their poorest defensive start since 2021/22.
They claim stats don’t lie, yet Maestre refuses to treat them as a free ticket to the top this weekend.
“Every match is unique,” he reflected. “Sometimes luck swings one way, and City are repeating last season’s patterns.”
“The league is brutally competitive; anyone can be punished. Our humble mindset must stay a core value to sustain consistency,” he said.
“We’ll push forward as we have before, believing we can hit the performance we dream of,” he declared.
“If they falter in or out of possession, we’ll capitalize, but we won’t count on them conceding automatically,” he warned.
London City have won their last five home WSL games—only Manchester City exceeds that with 16—so Maestre hopes the crowd fuels future displays.
“We recognize the significance of the upcoming fixture and will chase victory while preserving the identity we’ve built from day one,” he affirmed.
“The supporters must become our twelfth player; their energy will bring us closer to the performances and goals we seek,” he urged.
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