Sonia Bompastor previews title defence opener against Manchester City
Chelsea FC Women begin their Barclays Women’s Super League title defence this weekend with a blockbuster opener against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
Ahead of the clash, manager Sonia Bompastor addressed the media to set the tone for the season ahead.
Team News
Ahead of the WSL opener for the eight-time league Champions, Bompastor spoke about the team news. Whilst Chelsea has a strong squad with remarkable depth, several players are sidelined due to injury.
One being Lucy Bronze, who fractured her tibia prior to the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025:
“It’s difficult to give a return date, but she’s progressing well both mentally and physically. Hopefully, she’ll be back soon, though she’s still a few weeks away.”
Another Lioness who sustained an injury during international break is Lauren James. Bompastor assured her recovery is on track, but she will not be ready to return to the squad this weekend. However, the part she plays in a Chelsea shirt remains integral
Knocks were suffered by forwards three key forwards: Mayra Ramírez, Catarina Macario, Aggie Beever-Jones. All are however progressing in their recovery and Bompastor expects they will all contribute significantly as the season unfolds. Beever-Jones is in fact set for a more central role once fully fit.
On a more positive note, Mathildas forward, Sam Kerr will make her full return to the matchday squad this weekend. Having suffered an ACL injury over a year ago, she was unable to compete for Chelsea throughout the 2024/25 season. Bompastor spoke highly of the striker:
“Sam is training well. Her leadership and experience are invaluable. We need to be patient, but it’s a positive step to have her back with the squad.”
Full Focus on Manchester City
When Chelsea face Manchester City the competition does not disappoint. In the 2024/25 season, they faced each other five times across all competitions: Chelsea won four of these fixtures. However, Manchester City shocked the Blues with a 2-0 victory in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
With this rich history of fixtures, Chelsea are determined not to let their title hopes slip at the first hurdle. Bompastor emphasised the importance of concentrating solely on the task at hand:
“For me, the full focus has to be on the game. It’s the right thing to do for the players and for the team. It’s a big opening game, and that’s where all of our attention is.”
On Friday’s opponents, the manager expressed respect:
“City are always strong with quality players. It won’t be easy. They’ve changed their manager since last season, and we’re expecting a team with real quality and philosophy.”
The bigger picture
On the back of a successful first season at the helm, Chelsea’s ambitions for this season are even stronger. She added:
“We want to refine our game model and execute it better. We have the winning mentality from last season, and now we must stay confident, work hard, and never take anything for granted.”
Competing across multiple competitions, Chelsea rely on both quality and squad depth. With several new signings making their way to London, the team are shaping up promisingly. In fact, Bompastor praised young defender Villå Burman for her mentality, despite being such a young player.
Reflecting on the growth of the WSL, Bompastor said:
“Clubs are investing more in the women’s game, making the competition stronger. Chelsea set the bar, and that’s what we need to do. It’s a positive step for the women’s game, for England, and for everyone involved.”
However, the growth of the women’s game is testament to the fans. Chelsea women are developing a loyal and present fanbase, which spurs the team to turn the tempo ip and put on performances to remember. Bompastor highlighted the excitement supporters can anticipate this season:
“It’s not about one player—talent across the team makes the game exciting for fans and players alike. This is what we want more and more in the women’s game.”