Sonia Bompastor Appointed as Chelsea Women’s Manager
Chelsea Women’s Super League team has made an exciting appointment, bringing in Sonia Bompastor as their new manager. Bompastor, who was previously the boss at Lyon, has signed a four-year deal with the team. The French club has agreed to compensation for the 43-year-old, who had one year remaining on her contract. Bompastor takes over from Emma Hayes, who left at the end of the season to coach the United States women’s national team.
Bompastor’s Success at Lyon
Bompastor’s tenure at Lyon was marked by incredible success. In 2022, she led the team to victory in the Women’s Champions League, securing their eighth European crown. Lyon only lost one game in the Division 1 Feminine campaign and finished 11 points clear, ultimately winning the league title for the 17th time. Bompastor’s achievements made her the first person to win the Champions League as both a player and a coach. She also became the first female manager to win the competition since Martina Voss-Tecklenburg in 2009.
Excitement Surrounding Bompastor’s Appointment
Paul Green, Chelsea’s general manager, expressed his excitement about Bompastor’s appointment. He highlighted her vision, coaching philosophy, and winning mentality as factors that made her the outstanding candidate for the role. Green believes that Bompastor’s world-class coaching abilities and track record of success on the biggest stages will command respect from the dressing room.
The Recruitment Process
The recruitment process for Hayes’ successor was led by Chelsea’s sporting directors, Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, along with women’s general manager, Paul Green. They created a shortlist of four candidates but felt that Bompastor stood out due to her winning mentality. The club was open to all applicants, irrespective of gender, and wanted a coach who could handle the pressure of delivering silverware and managing a diverse squad. Bompastor’s experience as both a player and a manager, as well as her success in the Women’s Champions League, made her an attractive choice.
A New Era at Chelsea
Bompastor’s appointment marks the beginning of a new era at Chelsea. She is expected to make her mark early in the summer transfer window, with the team open to acting on any requests from the new manager. Despite having already made recruitment plans, Chelsea is willing to make adjustments based on Bompastor’s preferences. Her arrival aligns with the club’s re-structuring and long-term strategic plan for the women’s team. As the Women’s Super League is set to be taken over by NewCo this summer, Chelsea aims to establish the women’s team as a standalone business, alongside the men’s team.
Investment in Women’s Football
Chelsea also plans to attract private investors to the women’s team. Currently, any potential investor in the Women’s Super League is required to go through the men’s team. The club hopes that by providing dedicated resources, management, and commercial leadership for the women’s team, along with infrastructure and player development investment, they will solidify their position as a leading force in women’s football. BDT & MSD Partners, an American global merchant bank, have been working with Chelsea as financial advisors on a potential minority investment in the club.
In Conclusion
With the appointment of Sonia Bompastor as their new manager and the strategic plans in place for the women’s team, Chelsea is entering an exciting new phase. Bompastor’s track record of success and her experience as both a player and a manager make her an ideal choice to lead the team. The club’s focus on investing in women’s football and attracting private investors demonstrates their commitment to becoming a powerhouse in the women’s game.