In an exclusive interview, former Manchester City Women director of football Nils Nielsen has opened up about his brief but impactful tenure at the club. The Dane, who departed in the summer of 2024 after just one season, played a pivotal role in shaping the club’s future through key contract extensions, high-profile signings, and backroom staff changes.
Convincing Lauren Hemp to Stay
One of Nielsen’s most significant achievements was securing a new three-year deal for England forward Lauren Hemp in April 2024. Hemp, who was heavily pursued by rival clubs, ultimately chose to remain at Manchester City.
She was chased by everybody. The fact that she has such a big heart for the club that she still believed in the project and chose to stay – that was a big thing for me.
Nils Nielsen on Lauren Hemp’s contract extension
Backing Gareth Taylor
Nielsen also played a crucial role in extending head coach Gareth Taylor’s contract, despite uncertainty surrounding his future following a fourth-place finish in the 2022-23 season.
I was convinced – the right decision was to renew Gareth. He is very knowledgable and capable of getting the team to play the way he wants. Finding somebody that knows the City way of playing as well as him would be almost impossible.
Nils Nielsen on Gareth Taylor’s contract extension
Signing Vivianne Miedema
Another major coup for Manchester City during Nielsen’s tenure was the signing of Vivianne Miedema, the WSL’s all-time leading goalscorer, on a free transfer from Arsenal.
I had analysed her so many times, trying to figure out how to stop her. That’s the player you want to have in your team, if the opportunity presents itself. So we went all in.
Nils Nielsen on signing Vivianne Miedema
Japanese Influx and Staff Changes
Nielsen also oversaw the signing of three Japanese internationals, noting that their technical playing style is a “perfect fit for Manchester City’s style.” Additionally, he was involved in backroom staff changes, bringing in new coaches to “freshen things up” with new ideas.
Looking to the Future
Despite his brief stint at Manchester City, Nielsen’s impact is evident in the club’s current success, with the team sitting atop the WSL table. As he enjoys time with his family in Denmark, Nielsen remains a fan of the club and cherishes the friendships he made during his time in Manchester.
Looking ahead, Nielsen aims to return to coaching, where he feels most fulfilled. “I want to have that feeling again in the morning when you wake up and have the greatest job in the world, helping the players achieve their dreams,” he concludes, hinting at an exciting new chapter in his career.
