Inside track on Chelsea | Emily Herbert

We take on Chelsea in the Barclays Women’s Super League at Kingsmeadow on Sunday evening (6.45pm UK, live on Sky Sports).

Sonia Bompastor was appointed the Head Coach of Chelsea in the summer following the departure of long-serving Emma Hayes, and she has enjoyed an excellent start to her time with the Blues, picking up maximum points in their first three games.

Ahead of our encounter this weekend, we had a chat with journalist Emily Herbert to get a lowdown on the Blues…

How would you reflect on the start of the season in the WSL and Champions League?

Emily: “Chelsea have started the season as many would have expected, by winning. They stand as one of only two teams to remain unbeaten this season, having kicked off against Aston Villa in a tight 1-0 win, followed by a thumping of newly promoted Crystal Palace 7-0. 

“The Blues also have a game in hand after their match against Manchester United was postponed due to Champions League fixture confusion, but they bounced back with a 3-2 shaky win against Real Madrid in the group stages of the Champions League and a 2-1 win at Emirates Stadium against the under-pressured Arsenal.”

Who are the key players to look out for this weekend?

Emily: “Chelsea recruited strong in the summer, diving deep into the contacts of their new manager. Sandy Baltimore excelled for PSG last season, scoring seven goals in 18 appearances in the French top flight, while Maelys Mpome, an exciting young talent, signed from Montpellier.

“They have not had luck when it comes to ACL injuries, with Sophie Ingle adding to the list of injured players in the summer. Sam Kerr, their star striker, is still recovering from the knee injury, as is England international Niamh Charles, who is nursing a shoulder dislocation. 

“Their most prominent signing of the window was England international Lucy Bronze. The 32-year-old brings not just experience and leadership to a team crying out for control, but five Champions League trophies to inspire the team to victory.”

Although it’s early days into her tenure at Chelsea, what has Sonia Bompastor brought to the Club?

Emily: “Sonia Bompastor enters a new era with Chelsea this year, succeeding the successful Emma Hayes. She travels across the channel from France, specifically Lyon, where she spent nine years as a midfielder before managing them for the past three years to the Champions League title. 

“Under the French manager, the winning mentality continues as well as international signings. The French manager bolstered the blue side of London during the summer, adding star talent across a number of positions on the field, including forward Balitmore, defender Oriane Jean-Francois and centre-back Mpome.”

Looking to win their sixth consecutive WSL, what are the expectations for this campaign?

Emily: “Despite a new manager at the helm, the expectations are still sky high for the Blues. The number one goal is to secure that all-important Champions League title for the very first time, their love-hate relationship with the European competition includes reaching the semi-final for the past five consecutive years and being knocked out to Barcelona Femi in the final in 20/21. However, with an experienced manager at the reigns, they look more and more likely to achieve this target.

“They have been the reigning champions of the WSL for the past five consecutive years, and so adding a sixth to their ever-growing trophy cabinet is not one for the faint-hearted.”