Sonia Bompastor has stated that she is ‘really proud’ of her Chelsea players after coming through a ‘tough week’ to beat Liverpool.
Bompastor was speaking after Chelsea had just won 2-0 at Kingsmeadow. On the day the goals came from Sjoeke Nüsken and Lauren James which put to bed any hopes the visitors had of an upset.
The Chelsea head coach spoke to the media after victory and The Halfway Line was there to hear from her.
Bompastor urges Chelsea charges to ‘enjoy the win’
Chelsea had a shaky start against Liverpool, with the visitors even finding the back of the net before the goal was ruled out for handball. However Chelsea rallied, and ensured they got the result they needed,
“I’m really happy with the result, but also the performance” said Bompastor.
“Especially in the second half. Probably the first half was a little bit like last week. Before we scored, it was a more difficult for us to get into a momentum.
“But as soon as we scored, we were able to control in possession and out of possession. We didn’t concede a lot in the second half. It was a really good performance.
“It’s always important first of all for us to enjoy the win. I think it’s been quite some weeks for us. So as I said to the players, enjoy. I think the recovery is really important as well.”
Sonia Bompastor lauds Lauren James’ ‘quality’ when ‘fit to play’
The undoubted star turn of the afternoon was Lionesses maestro Lauren James. James provided the assist for the opener before firing home to nab one for herself and double the home side’s advantage.
After the match The Halfway Line asked Sonia Bompastor which position she thinks Lauren James is best in,
“Yeah, that’s an interesting question, because we have been talking a lot with LJ [Lauren James] and with the staff about where is her best position” Bompastor postulated.
“In this team right now, because LJ can play many positions in maybe some other teams a different role. So that’s why I’m bringing this specificity. I think right now, probably her best position is left winger but she can bring something different in other positions.
“She knows how to play different positions. When LJ is performing at this level she’s one of the first ones you put in your starting 11, that’s important going into the business end of the season to have a player with her quality performing at that level.
“The most important is also to keep LJ fit as fit as possible. Because, you know, for us it’s been the first time she played 90 minutes since a while. So it’s important for her also to build on this fitness.
“And yeah, you know the quality she has when she’s fit to play. She can perform at a really high level and contribute a lot to the performance.”
Paul Green departure led to ‘tough week’ Sonia Bompastor admits
One of the pillars of Chelsea’s recent success, Paul Green was let go from his position of Head of Women’s Football last week much to the shock of players and fans. Green had been at Chelsea for 13 years presiding over some of the clubs greatest successes.
The fans at Kingsmeadow clapped on the 13th minute against Liverpool as a way of thanks to Green. Bompastor was asked about the aftermath since Green’s departure,
“Yeah, it was a tough week, to be honest” Bompastor candidly admitted.
“We are all humans, and I think when you just lose one member of your staff, you, yeah it hurts. So I think it was quite an emotional week for everyone, staff and players.
“We tried to focus a little bit on the game as well. So I think we did well, considering everything that happens this week being able to come here focus on the game, putting the performance and getting the result.
“We have just proved a lot of character. So I’m really, really proud of my players and all members of staff, from what we have been able to achieve today.”
As for whether Green is being replaced in his exact position, Bompastor’s reply was simple, “no” she said.
When pressed further the Chelsea head coach elaborated,
“I think we have had a lot of conversations with the CEO, Aki [Mandhar], with the sporting directors, Paul [Winstanley] and Laurence [Stewart].
“I think we are on board on what we want to do for the future of Chelsea. I felt from there a lot of support since I joined the club.
“And I think right now, I always feel the support. I think the fact they were able also to extend my contract when the results were a little bit more difficult, shows a lot.
“I think none of the clubs were probably doing the same. I think in football, you know that’s how it works. So for me, to be in this position it means a lot for me.”
‘She’s really close’ Bompastor relishes Kadeisha Buchanan return
At half time Sandy Baltimore was replaced by Lucy Bronze. The Halfway Line asked Sonia Bompastor if that was a tactical move or if it was pre-planned in order to get Bronze more minutes,
“A bit of both?” Bompastor said.
“I think I was expecting a little bit more from Sandy, but it happens.
“I think sometimes also the players, as much as they want to preform at their best level. I felt maybe she could have done more in that first half. I will be speaking with her about what exactly I was expecting.
“We have a really good relationship with Sandy so and yeah, giving Lucy some minutes to be ready for the next game was part of the plan. So when it works, it’s good.”
Bompastor also provided a welcome update on Kadeisha Buchanan who featured in the warm up having not played for Chelsea since 2024 due to injury,
“Kadeisha was with us today for warm up” Bompastor smiled.
“She’s supposed to play some minutes on Wednesday with the young team, and the plan is for her maybe to be in the squad next weekend. She’s really close.”
