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Angel City: ‘I Woke Up Last Week and Thought: Oh My God,
I Live in LA’**
Katie Zelem, the England international and former captain of
Manchester United, is embracing a new chapter in her career as she joins Angel City FC in
Los Angeles. Reflecting on her transition, Zelem recalls a summer moment that might have caught the attention of passersby in Manchester. While out walking her dog, onlookers could have spotted her and fellow Lionesses teammate engaged in one-on-one training drills. Coombs, who was working hard to recover from an injury ahead of pre-season with
Manchester City, agreed to help Zelem stay fit as she navigated her options after her contract with Manchester United ended in June.
Zelem took the initiative to search for training sessions online, bringing along cones to set up drills. She describes her determination during this period, stating, “I was running up and down every field I could find, keeping as fit as possible.” With several offers on the table, she felt a strong motivation to maintain her fitness, thinking, “
Wherever I end up, this is going to benefit me.” However, she acknowledges the challenges of training alone, noting that while running is beneficial, it lacks the sharpness and teamwork that come with regular team practices. “It was a unique situation because I basically had no pre-season,” she adds.
Now, as she settles into her new life in Los Angeles, Zelem is excited about the competitive environment of the NWSL and the fresh challenges that lie ahead.
Q: What was Katie Zelem doing during the summer after leaving Manchester United?
A: Katie Zelem was training with her Lionesses teammate Laura Coombs in local parks near Manchester, focusing on one-on-one drills to stay fit while weighing her options after her contract ended.
Q: How did Zelem feel about her training during the transition between clubs?
A: Zelem felt motivated and was running up and down fields to maintain her fitness, believing that the extra effort would benefit her regardless of where she ended up playing.
Q: What challenges did Zelem face during her time between clubs?
A: Zelem faced the challenge of not having a pre-season, which made it difficult to maintain the sharpness and connection needed for team training, as her training was primarily focused on individual fitness.
Q: What was Zelem's emotional reaction to moving to Los Angeles?
A: Zelem expressed a sense of awe and excitement about living in Los Angeles, indicating a significant change in her life and career after leaving Manchester United.
Q: What does Zelem's experience highlight about the competitive nature of the NWSL?
A: Zelem's experience underscores the competitive edge of the NWSL, as she was motivated to stay in shape and prepare for a new challenge in a different league after receiving multiple offers.