Emma Hayes has departed Chelsea Women, leaving behind a legacy of guiding the club into the professional women’s football era. Hayes led Chelsea to a league championship in her final season, although the team fell short of winning all four trophies they were in contention for at one point.
Incoming head coach Sonia Bompastor comes to Chelsea after a successful stint at Lyon where she spent three seasons. She has signed a four-year deal with Chelsea and will officially start her new role on July 1. Bompastor led Lyon to the Women’s Champions League final, although they were defeated by Barcelona.
As a former player who represented France 156 times, Bompastor brings experience and a winning mentality to her coaching role. Bompastor expressed her gratitude and excitement for the new opportunity, acknowledging the legacy left behind by Hayes and the ambitions of the club.
Chelsea’s general manager, Paul Green, highlighted Bompastor’s vision, coaching philosophy, and winning mentality as key factors in her selection as head coach. With a proven track record of success on the biggest stages, Bompastor is poised to command respect from the dressing room and build on the successes achieved by Chelsea in recent years.
