Sonia Bompastor: Can new Chelsea boss build on Emma Hayes’ legacy?

Chelsea went through a thorough recruitment process to replace Hayes but Bompastor was always their top priority.

They said it was her winning mentality, drive to embrace a new challenge and her success in Europe that attracted them to her.

She comes with pedigree and there are high expectations.

“At the moment I don’t feel any pressure. Even if the club puts me under some pressure, I’m the one who puts even more pressure on myself,” said Bompastor.

“I don’t need someone to come and tell me what I have to do. I’ve signed for four years. I think four years is a good time for me to put in my own philosophy, vision and what I feel.”

Her decision to leave Lyon was not an easy one. She ended her playing career there, led their academy, and then became head coach of the first team for three years.

Bompastor’s children – the eldest being nine years old – had to move schools. They moved home, moved to a new country, a new culture and now mostly speak their second language.

“I just felt like it was the right time for me to have a new challenge, and this is what I’m looking for in my life, always to have these new challenges,” said Bompastor.

“After these three seasons [at Lyon], everyone was so used to each other. You just go to your comfort zone, and sometimes it’s good to come out of your comfort zone.

“For me, the goal is really clear. I wanted to come to a club who has ambitions to win the Champions League in a new country, with a new club…

“This is something really special.”