New Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor is looking to build on Emma Hayes’ legacy ahead of her WSL debut.
Hayes recently departed her post as Chelsea manager in favour of the United States women’s national team after 12 years in charge at Kingsmeadow, during which time she won 16 domestic trophies including seven WSL titles.
The Champions League proved to be something of a white whale for Hayes, though, failing to win the competition despite reaching the final in 2021, and Bompastor has already set her sights on European glory.
Speaking ahead of her WSL home opener against Aston Villa, she committed to continuing Chelsea’s golden era.
She said: “I want to thank [Hayes] because she left the club in such a good place. My job now will be to build on her legacy and make sure I bring the club to the next step.
“Chelsea have had so much success in past seasons, they know how to win. I think I have my own vision and I’ll try to help the team, the club and the players to reach that goal [of winning the Champions League] because it is a special competition. It will be hard but we have all the quality and talent in the squad to make sure we can perform in the Champions League.”
Her campaign has already got off to a strong start, beating Feyenoord 9-0 in a qualification match.
A mother to four children, she believes that her experience in managing her family has prepared her well to manage a football team.
With her family quickly settled in London, she said: “Everything is in a good place in the club and outside the club. I feel very happy and excited and just can’t wait to start the season now.”
She continued, saying that she is proud to balance a full time job with raising a family.
“When you are a manager and a mum of four kids it’s a big challenge, that’s two big jobs! My schedule is very busy and crowded, the club is supporting me, which is really important, and I have my family’s support.
“I just encourage all the women to be brave, and it’s possible to have a big job and be a mum.”
Interview conducted by Ayisha Gulati.
