Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor downplayed her personal role in the team’s commanding 6-1 victory over Twente in the Women’s Champions League, a result that extended her perfect record with the club to 14 wins from 14 matches. The win not only kept Chelsea’s unbeaten run intact but also strengthened their position at the top of both the Women’s Super League and their Champions League group. Chelsea currently leads the WSL by five points and holds a three-point advantage in their European group, showing strong form across all competitions.
In her post-match comments, Bompastor was quick to praise the ambition and drive of her players, emphasizing that their success is largely down to their own competitiveness and determination. "They don’t really need me," she remarked modestly, adding that her role is more about aligning her ambitions with those of the players and helping them maintain focus, especially in challenging moments. Bompastor’s primary aim is to ensure that the team stays mentally strong, even when they face adversity during a match, and to foster an environment where the players can recover quickly from setbacks.
The match against Twente was not without its challenges. Despite conceding a penalty in the 29th minute, Chelsea responded swiftly, with Oriane Jean-Francois scoring just a minute later to put the team back in the lead. This ability to bounce back immediately, even when things aren't going perfectly, is something Bompastor has worked hard to instill in her players. The team has been in formidable attacking form, having netted 17 goals in their five European fixtures so far, showcasing their offensive firepower and depth.
While Bompastor is pleased with the team’s attacking efficiency, she also acknowledged that there is room for improvement. "It's always good for the confidence to score many goals," she noted, highlighting the importance of maintaining high-scoring performances to build confidence across the squad. Although the team has been clinical in the final third, Bompastor believes they can still fine-tune their finishing and decision-making to ensure even better results in the future.
Chelsea’s dominance in Europe has been clear, but Bompastor’s ability to keep her team grounded and focused on continuous improvement will be key as the season progresses. The team's ability to recover from setbacks, their attacking prowess, and the confidence they gain from scoring multiple goals will be vital as they push for success in both domestic and European competitions. With Bompastor at the helm, Chelsea's aspirations to continue their winning ways look promising, but as she continues to guide them, there's an understanding that they must remain committed to improving their game at every level.
