Chelsea Women have been running away with it, winning the Women’s FA Cup. They’ve now done an unprecedented unbeaten domestic treble this season! This win caps off their reign as the “Invincibles,” which included six-straight Women’s Super League (WSL) titles. Under Sonia Bompastor’s fresh leadership, Chelsea Women are proving to be a force. Yet again, they’ve shown their remarkable resilience, proving their place at the summit of women’s football.
In her first season as coach, Sonia Bompastor has led the team to record heights. Bompastor is intent on creating her own legacy and that of former manager Emma Hayes. She talks about the need to maintain the team’s competitive culture and edge. Entry into Champions League Chelsea Women also qualified directly for the Champions League league phase by winning the league. It all means they’ll have a date with destiny against Barcelona in the Champions League final in Lisbon on May 25.
A Legacy of Excellence
The story of Chelsea Women’s recent domestic and continental success actually starts long before this summer, with the groundwork put down by former manager Emma Hayes. Hayes’ vision was to develop an impressive team that could excel under pressure. Marc Skinner, manager of Manchester United Women, similarly recognised the gravity of this legacy when looking back on Chelsea’s display.
“Emma’s legacy was to build a robust team that can take the responsibility in those big moments, because they’re used to them. That’s what we don’t have.” – Marc Skinner
The depth of the experience and the quality within Chelsea’s squad should not be overplayed. The team is already loaded with players who have seen success on the biggest stage. Their time spent together has propelled them to over a dozen Championship Titles. Chelsea has won the league on goal difference several times. This demonstrates their proficiency at performing when the stakes are high, and for the few points that can be the difference between the best teams.
As they prepare for their second Champions League final, Chelsea’s ambition remains clear: they aim to compete against the best teams in Europe. With the addition of key players like Lucy Bronze and Sandy Baltimore last summer, they have fortified their squad and enhanced their chances of success on international stages.
Challengers in Pursuit
Chelsea has an undeniable history of success. They have a challenge on their hands, going up against Arsenal Women and Manchester United Women among others in the WSL title race. Skinner noted that Chelsea has been on great form this season. Yet there are opportunities for other clubs to attempt to unseat them from their throne.
“In games this year, you could have got Chelsea. I don’t think most teams in the league have maximised that, so let’s see.” – Marc Skinner
As Skinner reflects on his team’s performance and potential growth areas, he emphasizes the need for investment in women’s football. More competition, he thinks, will create incentives for everyone to step it up.
“It’s important for most of the teams to invest in the women’s game because I think if you have more competition you are able to perform better.” – Marc Skinner
Skinner already has one eye on smart plays he could make for his team this summer. Here’s how he intends to take his team’s talents to the next level and compete in Chelsea’s most elite company.
“I’ve got to find Manchester United’s way in the summer.” – Marc Skinner
Building for Future Success
With Chelsea Women firmly affirming their status as an unstoppable force in domestic football, the focus on progression is always key realising that future success comes first. For Bompastor, guiding her team through this crucial phase means not only adhering to Chelsea’s high standards but adapting to the evolving landscape of women’s football.
The club’s ambitions go beyond domestic victories alone. They are aiming for European glory, too. And while getting ready for a very successful Champions League final this week, the players know what’s coming and they know it will be very difficult. Bompastor has said that she’s confident in her team’s ability to compete against heavyweights such as Barcelona.
“Barcelona for sure, but also teams like Lyon.” – Sonia Bompastor
For Chelsea Women, staying champions means they’ll have to stay hungry, stay improving. They have built a culture of accountability and excellence, which is at least as important to their sustained success.
Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of reddit, recently bought a one tenth stake for £20 million. As this recent move underscores, there’s a deep-seated conviction in the growth potential of Chelsea Women. Beyond creating jobs, this investment significantly enhances the club’s tools and talent. It puts them on the road to attaining even greater heights, both in their domestic league and as they compete internationally.
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