Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor heaps praise on 'wonderful' Emma Hayes as Frenchwoman prepares to build on USWNT coach's Stamford Bridge legacy

Chelsea selected Bompastor as their chosen coach to take over after Hayes' departure. The 47-year-old coach called time on her 12-year career with the Blues at the end of last season, taking over the USWNT following their disappointment performance at the 2023 Women's World Cup.

In her first official interview with Chelsea, Bompastor heavily praised Hayes for her work, with the legendary coach leading the Blues to seven Women's Super League titles along with a string of other domestic honours. The ex-Lyon coach has pledged to continue working on these foundation as she prepares for her first season with the London-based club.

Speaking with the Chelsea club media, Bompastor said: "I've been really impressed with all the work Emma did for such a long time. It’s wonderful.

"She started from the bottom and built the club up on her own. I say on her own and I say that knowing there were a lot of others behind the scenes, too – but, she was the leader. The true leader and I have so much respect for that.

"I will be careful building on this legacy because she left the club in such a good place. Now, I just want to make sure we go for the next step. I will be respectful while bringing my own identity and my own vision to the project.

"I just want to say thank you to Emma because she’s been very supportive. We have talked to each other and she has been trying to help me as much as she can. I can feel she really loves the club and she wants to make sure the club stays in the right place."

Quizzed on her aims for the season, Bompastor added: "The main expectation here is to win trophies. This is why we are here.

"I also will make sure and will work very hard to make the team look good on the field. I want the fans when they come to watch to just enjoy the game. Enjoy the fact we are going to score a lot of goals – I hope so! We are working hard to do that."