Title: Revealing the Architect Behind Manchester City’s Domestic Double Ambition

In early May, as Rebecca Knaak’s stoppage-time strike found the back of the net against Liverpool, securing Manchester City’s dominance in the Women’s Super League, manager Andree Jeglertz’s composure cracked. The Swedish boss, typically reserved, was overcome with emotion as captain Alex Greenwood leaped into his embrace. It was an anticipatory celebration for their first WSL championship in ten years—a feat confirmed just three days later when Arsenal failed to secure a result against Brighton. With Sunday’s Women’s FA Cup final (15:00 BST) looming, the club is now eyeing a domestic double.

The initial jubilation unfolded at the training ground, where the squad had gathered to watch Arsenal’s match. Amidst the festivities, Jeglertz approached Greenwood, beaming with pride, and simply remarked, "We did it." This understated remark reflects his character; ever since he was a young supporter of the Swedish club Malmö, the former teacher has avoided excessive theatrics.

Raised in Malmö, a southern Swedish city, Jeglertz’s childhood was defined by street football and a passion for the game instilled by an English neighbor who encouraged him to watch Premier League matches on television. Like many local youths, he joined a football club by age five. In this "safe environment," he developed a deep obsession with sport that set him apart from his younger brother.

"[He] wasn't competitive—he played football but lacked that intense drive I possessed," Jeglertz recalls. "I was always determined to train extensively. I believed that training required structure, not random activity, as I never thrived without it. That need for organization remains central to my approach today."

Football was a constant presence in Jeglertz’s life, often shared with his father, a keen fan who played in his youth. They attended matches weekly in their hometown. Jeglertz also witnessed the 1979 European Cup final in Munich, where Malmö lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest. "My dad is a huge football enthusiast," he explains. "We went to many games, and being in the stadium was always a part of my existence."

Although Jeglertz played professionally for Malmö and earned three caps for the Sweden Under-21s, he recognized early on that he would not reach the elite professional level. Consequently, he followed his mother’s footsteps into teaching, driven by a "curiosity to understand people."

"It was difficult to accept I wouldn't play at the highest level, but my love for the sport remained," he says. "I pursued teaching to combine my passion for people with football. Coaching felt like a natural progression, given my prior interest in the game and my history of leadership roles, such as team captain."

Beyond his professional life, Jeglertz is a committed family man. He is married to former footballer Ulrika, and they have two children, Cornelia and Adam. When Cornelia was an infant, the family relocated to a small community two miles outside Umea in eastern Sweden. It was there that Jeglertz secured his first major managerial position, eventually leading the team to a Champions League victory in 2004 with a roster featuring Brazilian icon Marta.

His career subsequently took the family to Stockholm five years later when he assumed control of Djurgårdens, followed by stints as head coach for Finland and Denmark. Despite his international fame, his daughter Cornelia views him primarily as a father.

"He’s still just my dad, not the renowned coach others see," Cornelia says. "He is caring and present, despite us living in various countries and cities over the years. He shows great interest in me and my friends. It has been a privilege to follow his career, witness his achievements, and explore the world."

Prior to his interview with BBC Sport, Jeglertz mentioned seeing his family a week earlier. They traveled to Manchester for dinner in Ancoats, a location that has become a favorite for the curry enthusiast. Jeglertz has even taken classes to further study the cuisine.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-05-07 12:18:17 UTC