Swiss international forward Alisha Lehmann has shared her thoughts on what she described as one of the toughest seasons of her career at Leicester City, promising to rebuild her strength and fitness after a devastating campaign that ended with the club’s relegation from the Women’s Super League (WSL). Despite limited game time following her much-discussed mid-season transfer, the popular footballer has vowed to play a leading role in Leicester’s push to return to the top division.

Opening up about her struggles, the 27-year-old addressed her global fanbase after a turbulent first few months in the East Midlands. She acknowledged that the past year had been the most challenging of her professional life, citing unexpected injuries and mental obstacles that repeatedly hindered her adjustment to her new environment. The former Juventus star admitted that adapting to fresh surroundings while battling fitness issues severely tested her resilience.

Reflecting on the emotional impact of the campaign, Lehmann shared, “This has been one of the most difficult years of my football career. There were many challenges, setbacks, injuries, and moments that tested me both on and off the pitch. It wasn’t always easy, and there were times when I had to fight through situations I never expected.”

Determined to turn frustration into motivation, the Swiss winger has committed to an intense off-season training plan designed to restore her peak condition. “Now it’s time to rest, recover, and enjoy some time with the people I love,” she explained. “But it’s also time to work. To stay focused, train hard, and do everything I can to come back stronger than ever.”

With Leicester’s leadership preparing for the demanding WSL2 campaign ahead, ensuring that their marquee signing is fully reintegrated will be a central priority. Looking forward to the new challenge, Lehmann declared, “I can’t wait for the next season. I’ll be ready, fitter, stronger, and more motivated than ever before. This is only the beginning.”

Leicester’s relegation heartbreak came after a tense play-off at The Valley, where their hopes of survival were crushed in a penalty shootout against Charlton Athletic. Following a gruelling 120-minute goalless stalemate, Leicester fell 2-1 in the shootout, sealing their drop from the top flight.

Lehmann was unable to feature in the decisive clash, watching helplessly as her teammates missed four of their five penalties, confirming the club’s descent into the second tier. The painful defeat has triggered a major rebuilding process within the club’s defensive setup as they prepare for life outside the WSL.

For Lehmann, the season was marked by stark contrasts. Arriving from Italy with high expectations in January, her on-field influence was limited to just nine senior appearances and five starts across all competitions. Despite the team’s struggles, her immense popularity off the pitch remained undiminished. With a following of over 15 million across her digital platforms, Lehmann’s connection with fans earned her both the Fans’ Player of the Season and Goal of the Season honours, even as Leicester endured a campaign to forget.