On a gloriously sunny Friday afternoon in Cobham, following training with her Chelsea squad Sonia Bompastor sits in front of the assembled media. Chelsea’s French head coach is one game away from an invincible Barclays Women’s Super League season, the visit of Liverpool is the final test.
The Halfway Line was present to hear from Bompastor and pose some questions to the newly crowned head coach of the champions of England.
Team news and feeling at ‘home’ at Stamford Bridge
Bompastor was able to provide an update on team news this afternoon. She confirmed that Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze and Sandy Baltimore would return to the side to face Liverpool after being rested last time out while Mayra Ramirez remains side lined.
Of course, regardless of the result on Saturday, Chelsea will lift the WSL trophy in front of a jubilant crowd at Stamford Bridge. Bompastor was asked about just how special that moment might be, she replied:
“For my players, when they play in Stamford Bridge, they just love that stadium. They feel at home, and they play with the support of the fans, they have been incredible all the year even when we played away games.
Just to have the opportunity to play that game and knowing you will be lifting the trophy at the end and celebrating with the fans and your friends and family. To be in the stadium, it doesn’t happen a lot, you don’t have that opportunity every season in your career. So I think this is something we need to enjoy, but for us to enjoy at the maximum, it will be first to focus on the game to try to win.”
‘Sometimes the one who makes me an even better manager is Cami’
The Halfway Line asked Bompastor if there was one person, player or staff who had stood out as an unsung hero, Bompastor responded with confidence, noting:
“It’s difficult to have only one name who pops out, because everyone has been incredible. This season has been incredibly successful. It was a transitional season for Chelsea, so not an easy one. It was tough.”
She continued: “But all the credit to the players, but also all the members of my staff. Sometimes the one who makes me even a better manager is Cami (Camille Abily) my assistant coach. She’s working really hard behind the scenes lots of credit to her. It’s a team success, a club success.”
‘We are already on transfers’
If other clubs in the league had hoped Chelsea may take their foot off the gas they will be disappointed, when asked about transfer plans Bompastor was clear, responding:
“We are already on transfers. We are already talking about the squad for next season. That’s what happens at all the clubs like Chelsea. I think when you are a manager, you never really [have a] break. The only break you can get is sometimes you just go away and work from a different country, having around you your family and your kids, and you can enjoy without having the pressure and the result [with] no games on the weekend.
But yeah, your brain never switches off completely. I think at the end of the season, it will be a good time for us to reflect on the season and to review everything to be even better for next season.”
‘London City Lionesses will be ready to compete’
Last week Chelsea were not the only side crowned champions, so were London City Lionesses of the Women’s Championship. Bompastor will be familiar with their own Michelle Kang who also owns a majority stake in her former club Lyon. The Halfway Line asked Bompastor about London City Lionesses potential to make an impact on the WSL. Bompastor replied:
“What we can expect is Michelle Kang coming into the WSL investing money, trying to find players to be competitive in the league next season. She’s someone who has a lot of ambitions. I think London City Lionesses will be ready to compete against most (WSL) teams.”
With a mischievous grin Bompastor continued: “How can I say like, if she doesn’t come to take some of my players? Go for Arsenal, Man City, Man United. I have some names to give you, just not us” rapturous laughter had engulfed the room long before Bompastor had finished her quip.
Bompastor will also be familiar with the London City Lionesses head coach who was manager of PSG while she was at Lyon last season, she stated: “I want to congratulate Joceyln (Prêcheur), I know Joe is a really good coach, and congrats to him. Congrats to London City Lionesses for winning this trophy and being champions.”
