Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor has called for focus as the Blues prepare to begin their UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) league phase campaign against Austria Wien on Wednesday.
European success remains one of Chelsea’s major ambitions. However, Bompastor was keen to balance those expectations with the immediate challenge facing her side as they return to action at Plough Lane.
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Speaking ahead of the game, the Chelsea boss acknowledged the quality within her squad while stressing that the focus must remain on the task at hand.
“It’s really exciting to start tomorrow, and we are all ready,” Bompastor said. “I think we have the quality in the team, in the squad, to win this competition.”
However, she was careful to avoid looking too far ahead.
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“The season will be long. We know we also have a really competitive league here in England.”
Keeping players fit and managing the squad through a demanding schedule will therefore be crucial. For now, Chelsea’s attention is firmly on beginning the league phase with a strong performance.
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Bompastor wary of Austria Wien threat
Chelsea enter Wednesday’s contest with considerably more experience at this level, with Austria Wien competing in the Champions League proper for the first time.
Bompastor, however, warned against underestimating the Austrian side. The Frenchwoman confirmed that her coaching staff have analysed their opponents and identified areas Chelsea could potentially exploit.
“The game plan is ready,” Bompastor explained. “We know the spaces we can use tomorrow on the pitch. We probably also know how we can hurt them. But we have a lot of respect for them because every game will be difficult.”
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Austria Wien’s underdog status could also present a different challenge for Chelsea.
“They are coming tomorrow with no pressure. They are the underdogs, so they have nothing to lose,” Bompastor said.
Chelsea will therefore need to find the balance between playing with confidence and maintaining respect for an opponent arriving in London with considerably less external expectation.
Keira Walsh and Lexi Potter partnership continues to develop
Another talking point from the press conference was the developing midfield relationship between Keira Walsh and Lexi Potter.
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Potter has enjoyed an encouraging start to the campaign and scored the opening goal in Chelsea’s 2-0 Women’s Super League victory over Birmingham City.
Her partnership with Walsh has also provided Bompastor with another midfield option.
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Walsh explained that Potter’s positioning gives her greater freedom to move forward and influence games in areas she has traditionally occupied less frequently.
“When Lexi’s playing alongside me, she makes me feel really comfortable, and she gives me the freedom to go and do those things,” Walsh said. “We’ve got a great partnership, and I think that’s probably where most of my confidence comes from.”
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Their understanding could become increasingly important as Chelsea navigate a demanding run of domestic and European fixtures.
Bompastor explains Chelsea’s 3-4-3 formation
Bompastor also offered an interesting insight into the tactical evolution of her Chelsea side.
Asked about Chelsea’s recent use of a 3-4-3 and whether she had now settled on her preferred formation, Bompastor explained that the system is largely dictated by the personnel currently available to her.
Rather than committing Chelsea permanently to one shape, the head coach stressed the importance of adapting to the qualities of her players while managing the workload of a squad that still has several players injured or returning to fitness.
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“3-4-3 works right now because it is perfect with the qualities and characteristics of the squad players,” Bompastor explained.
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She suggested Chelsea could also operate in a 4-3-3 or even a 3-5-2 when more of her attacking options return.
The latter could become particularly interesting once Mayra Ramirez and Melvine Malard are fully available, potentially giving Bompastor the option of playing with two forwards.
Bompastor also reiterated Ramirez’s importance to Chelsea as the Colombian continues her recovery from the long-term injury that kept her out last season.
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The comments underline the flexibility Bompastor wants from her side. Rather than building around a fixed formation, Chelsea’s shape could continue to evolve according to player availability, opposition and workload.
Lauren James to miss Chelsea’s Champions League opener
Chelsea will be without Lauren James against Austria Wien.
The England international picked up a small knock in training last Friday, and Bompastor confirmed Chelsea will avoid taking unnecessary risks ahead of Sunday’s WSL meeting with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.
“She should be available for the game on the weekend, but we don’t want to take any risks for the game tomorrow. She’s a bit short.”
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There was more encouraging news elsewhere. Erin Cuthbert, Manaka Matsukubo and Aggie Beever-Jones have returned to team training, although the trio are not yet ready to return to competitive action.
Bompastor also provided an update on Naomi Girma, who returned to the matchday squad against Birmingham following a minor injury.
The Chelsea head coach described Girma as an important player and leader, while acknowledging that the club continues to carefully manage her physical condition.
Chelsea begin their UWCL league phase campaign
Squad management will become increasingly important for Chelsea over the coming weeks.
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The Blues face Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday before travelling to face record European champions OL Lyonnes in their next Champions League fixture.
For now, Bompastor’s attention remains firmly on Austria Wien.
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Chelsea possess considerable European ambitions, but their head coach is refusing to look too far ahead. Wednesday instead represents the next step: navigating a potentially awkward opponent, managing a squad still returning to full strength and beginning the league phase positively.
For Bompastor and Chelsea, the journey starts against Austria Vienna.
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