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Chelsea’s recent 2-0 victory over Roma in the Women’s Champions League demonstrated their ability to win in different ways. Sonia Bompastor’s side has made an impressive start to the campaign after a disappointing previous season.
Overcoming past struggles and strong start
Bompastor’s squad lost their Women’s Super League and FA Cup crowns last term, while Arsenal eliminated them from Europe at the quarter-final stage. That followed a dream season where the Blues secured a domestic treble in Bompastor’s first year in charge. Following six successive WSL titles, a transitional blip was inevitable under the French boss, but the team has responded strongly.
Chelsea remain unbeaten across all competitions, sit level at the top of the Women’s Super League with Manchester City after seven games, and have recorded two wins and a draw in their opening three Champions League phase matches. Bompastor stated that she is really pleased with the results and the different performances, adding that their current way of performing gives them a big chance to win games.
Increased adaptability and defensive solidity
During the match against Roma, a dominant first-half display preceded substitute Ellie Carpenter breaking the deadlock after 51 minutes. Defender Kadeisha Buchanan sealed the victory with a late header. Bompastor expressed satisfaction with the solid defensive aspects, noting that they have not conceded in their three European games.
The manager acknowledged that the Champions League represents a different level compared to the WSL and explained that she has rotated her squad effectively. Chelsea appear to have fixed defensive vulnerabilities from last season while looking more clinical in attack. Full-back Carpenter has scored four goals in all competitions, forward Lauren James is in scintillating form, and young midfielder Lexi Potter is developing a partnership with Keira Walsh.
The team displays unpredictability by adapting their shape between a back three and a back four, while utilizing goalkeeper Hannah Hampton’s distribution for a direct approach. Bompastor noted that even in a tough opening match against Austria Vienna, they found a way to win. She emphasized that squad rotation helps them impose themselves and score goals in different ways.
Transition, culture, and mentality
Although Manchester City won the WSL title impressively last season, external expectations pointed toward a Chelsea rebound. Bompastor maintained caution due to a transitional period following the departures of key players like Sam Kerr, Millie Bright, and Guro Reiten. She explained that after a long-serving coach of 12 years, it takes time for players to adjust to a new philosophy, especially when important players leave.
However, captain Erin Cuthbert stated she was not surprised by the team’s high level, crediting a solid pre-season and trip away. Cuthbert felt the team has gone up another level compared to being there or thereabouts last season. Bompastor highlighted that mental and cultural aspects are just as important as tactics, noting that the squad needed to rebuild those elements for the new season. She concluded that the team now has clarity on their direction, values, and mentality.
