If you happened to be strolling through your local park in Manchester this summer and caught a glimpse of two England internationals engaged in one-on-one training drills, fret not – your eyes did not deceive you. It was indeed the former Manchester United captain Katie Zelem and her Lionesses teammate Laura Coombs, putting in the work to stay fit. Coombs, who was pushing herself while recovering from injury ahead of pre-season with her club, Manchester City, had graciously agreed to assist Zelem, who was exploring her options after her Manchester United contract expired at the end of June. Zelem, seeking guidance, had looked up one-on-one training sessions and supplied the necessary equipment, believing the extra effort would pay off.
“I was running all over every field I could find, trying to stay as fit as possible,” the 28-year-old relayed to the Guardian, reflecting on the period between clubs. “I felt incredibly motivated because I had several offers on the table. I thought to myself, ‘Wherever I end up, this will benefit me.’ But running alone is quite different from team training, where sharpness and connecting passes are vital. It was a unique situation because I essentially had no pre-season.”
” I had options in England, across Europe, and in America, so I took my time making a decision. Manchester United had been my home for so long, so wherever I chose, it would be a significant change. Angel City were very understanding; they recognized that I needed time to make the right choice. They gave me the space to ensure I was truly content with my decision. I am grateful for that.”
In due time, Zelem concluded that the Los Angeles-based team was the perfect match, signing a two-year deal and joining them mid-season in the National Women’s Soccer League. In an exclusive interview, the midfielder spoke about embracing the challenge of a new league and life halfway across the globe. “The realization that I live in LA hit me last week! It still feels surreal,” she expressed. “The major draw for me was testing myself in a different style of play and against new opponents. With almost my entire career spent in the WSL, apart from one year, I was thrilled about a fresh challenge.”
Zelem, a member of the Lionesses squad that reached the 2023 World Cup final, though yet to feature for her national team this year, is set on earning her spot back. She has observed significant disparities in the physicality of the American league. “The athleticism of the players here is astonishing,” she remarked. “Everyone is fast. The ‘fast’ players are exceptionally quick. Space and time on the ball are limited, with pressure coming from all directions. I would say that the WSL focuses more on tactics and strategy, whereas here, a lot of goals stem from transitions. One major advantage of the NWSL is its fierce competitiveness. Each game is unpredictable in terms of the winner.”
Despite her unconventional pre-season preparation, Zelem has featured in six matches for Angel City since her arrival in mid-August, with four starts leading up to Friday’s match against Seattle Reign. Her father wakes up early in the UK to catch her games. Off the field, she has explored Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, and the Griffith Observatory, admitting, “I’m a total tourist wherever I go!” However, it is the contrasting commercial landscape at the NWSL club that has left a lasting impression on her. Only in their third season, Angel City were purchased in September for a staggering $250 million by Willow Bay and Bob Iger, the CEO of Disney, making them the most valuable women’s sports club in history.
