'Better than the weather in Manchester': City ready for WSL title push after warming their bones in Abu Dhabi

England forward Chloe Kelly hopes winter camp in the UAE capital can help revitalise City in their pursuit of Chelsea

Chloe Kelly hopes a sojourn to the sunshine of Abu Dhabi can rejuvenate Manchester City Women's title tilt ahead of the resumption of the Women's Super League.

Kelly, 26, has been enjoying a winter training camp in the UAE capital along with her teammates while the WSL is in its mid-season break.

City sit second in the table, six points behind Chelsea after 10 games.

England striker Kelly said the warm weather in Abu Dhabi was preferable to conditions back home in Manchester, where temperatures have dropped to below freezing.

“The winter training camp is very important and the warm weather is great for us, better than being in the snow in Manchester,” she said on the sidelines of the team's promotional shoot at Emirates Palace.

“It's great for the team to get together for a long duration and work hard in training in the warm weather, but also off the pitch. It's a lot of bonding time.

“I spent some time in Dubai over Christmas so it was nice to come over here and spend some time in Abu Dhabi. It's a great place and I love it here. It’s my first time here.”

Gareth Taylor, City Women’s first team manager, said the weather and facilities were ideal preparation ahead of a return to domestic action against Ipswich Town in the FA Cup on Sunday.

“I think it's obviously the break in the season for us, so it's kind of really nice to be able to come away and get warm weather training,” he said.

“You guys probably won't know, but today has been a lot of snow in Manchester so it brings with it issues of training. So, to be able to come here to a really good facility, really warm people in the UAE that have really welcomed us, and to also have conditions like this with the weather is amazing for us to try and come back together again and get ready for a busy second half of the season.”

Taylor welcomed the break as an opportunity to rest and recover, before getting ready for the push of the second half of the season. He also lamented that, as the WSL grows, a busier schedule may make it harder to give players time off mid-season.

“So, at this moment in time, I think in the WSL it's a nice feature to have that break but I think over the next few years it's going to change. I think there's going to be more teams, more games, less time off in the summer, so we'll see,” he added.

Kelly has endured a tough time this season so far, having only started once in 10 games while she recovers from concussion.

She is in the last six months of her contract at City, but said she was "not in a position to comment" when asked by The National whether she could move on before the transfer window closes on January 30.

Instead Kelly chose to focus on the club's prospects this season.

“Obviously a great club to be with a lot of great players. We know the success that the club should have and I think there's a lot more that we can do to add some more trophies," she added.

“This season's been a little disappointing for me in terms of game time but I'm working hard to be the best version of myself every day.”

Despite her lack of game time, Kelly hopes to be included in the England squad for their European Championship title defence this summer. Kelly was the heroine of the Lionesses' squad that won the 2022 Euros when she netted the winning goal against Germany in the final.

“The Euro is in the summer so it's very exciting for all English talent and also all European talent across the squad. It's a very exciting summer coming up.”

With Khadija (Bunny) Shaw, the leading scorer with nine goals in the WSL, and Lauren Hemp both injured, Kelly’s return to action could be crucial in City's pursuit of a first WSL title.

“They are two great players that were lost due to injury, but hopefully they'll be back on the pitch and flying soon and I'm excited for their comeback,” Kelly said.

“We are looking forward after the break, going into the next game. I’m ready for opportunities and a chance to get better during this window and we're excited for what's to come.”

City suffered final day heartbreak last season when they lost out on the WSL title to Chelsea on goal difference.

This season City are fighting on four fronts: the WSL, League Cup, FA Cup and the Uefa Women's Champions League. Taylor said playing so many games meant injuries to key players, which has taken its toll.

“We would hope that if we can get through this period and hopefully get some of those players back,” he said.

“The players we are missing, the likes of Bunny Shaw, Alex Greenwood, and Lauren Hemp, they're very big players for us. So, we'll see. It gives us hopefully a little bit of time without them but hopefully they can come back soon.”

As part of their trip to Abu Dhabi, the City Women’s first team took part in a Girls’ Open Day organised by City Football Schools, which is now in its 12th year. More than 300 young players took part in competitive matches and training sessions held at the 321 Sports facility on Al Hudayriyat Island.

Twins Ainhoa and Amelie ChazalMartin in action against Ella Stockley and Alyaziah Ahmed during the Manchester City Academy Girls Open Day at 321 Sports facility on Al Hudayriat Island. Antonie Robertson/The National

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According to Simon Hewitt, head of Football Operations for City Football Middle East, the event was a chance to showcase the development of girls' and women's football in the UAE.

“We have had a phenomenal turnout with something for everyone – exactly how football should be,” he said.

“Everything from our competitive matches to the inclusive training sessions has been held in a fun and encouraging environment with lots of smiles on the faces of those taking part.

“To cap things off with the opportunity see the Manchester City s first team in action has left everyone inspired and keen to get back on the pitch as soon as possible.”