In his first newspaper interview since departing from the women’s director of football role, the Dane talks about the friendships he made and why he left

Nils Nielsen may have only spent one season as Manchester City’s women’s director of football, but his brief tenure looks likely to shape the club’s future for many years to come, with decisions being made to extend head coach Gareth Taylor’s contract, overhaul the backroom staff and sign several international players.

The former head coach of the Denmark and Switzerland women’s national teams is now enjoying some priceless time at home with his family in Denmark and taking great joy in seeing Manchester City at the top of the Women’s Super League table. Looking well-rested and relaxed, he explains the reasons for ensuring Taylor stayed in post and shares the inside story of their summer transfer business.