Gareth Taylor: Manchester City boss says side “know steps needed” to win WSL title

Taylor said it was not a “failure” that City did not lift the title in a gripping finale, but it remained their aim this season.

“People can look at trophies as being the be-all and end-all,” he explained. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m here to win. Of course we want to be there.

“But the fact we are going deep in pretty much in all competitions is what we’re about and of course there can only be one team that wins.

“People tend to forget that there’s four or five teams that are really close to winning at the beginning of the season and there’s only one team that can ever win. That doesn’t make the other four [teams] a failure.

“It’s really tough but the objective is absolutely to win, I’m not going to hide away from that.”

Chelsea wrapped up their fifth successive title under former manager Emma Hayes in May.

Her squad were often described as mentally strong but Taylor rejected any suggestion City are unable to cope with the pressure.

“I’d never say that because we have a team of winners,” he added. “We have players who have won. Obviously the WSL title is what we want.

“I’ve never hidden away that it’s the title that I really want to bring to the club. You’ve seen how fine the margins are and I don’t see that changing this season.

“People just quickly assimilate that because you win time after time, like Chelsea have done, that they have good mental toughness.

“So for the ones who don’t, is it that they’re lacking? Until you win, can you be classed in that bracket? It’s really subjective to look at it from that way.”