'I got used to it' - Lauren James opens up on Emma Hayes' departure and hails 'demanding' Sonia Bompastor for pushing Chelsea star to new level

Replacing a figure as monumental as Hayes was never going to be an easy task. But Bompastor has already made her mark, claiming the League Cup in March and then securing Chelsea’s sixth straight WSL crown.

James, a key figure in Chelsea’s recent campaigns, admitted that adapting to Bompastor’s methods took time, but she’s grown to thrive under her guidance.

"It was hard at first but I got used to it and now I’m cool," James said to the Guardian. "Emma left Sonia with a top team and she built that winning culture Chelsea are known for."

While Hayes was known for her tactical sharpness and inspirational leadership, Bompastor’s competitive edge and intense approach have become defining traits of her early Chelsea tenure.

"Sonia is one of the most competitive people I’ve come across. It’s not just about football - whatever it is, she wants to beat you," James added. "That gets passed down in the dressing room and in training - always thinking about the next thing we can win."

Under Bompastor, Chelsea’s style has undergone noticeable tweaks. James highlighted the tactical shift towards a more aggressive pressing system and a heavier focus on off-the-ball responsibilities.
"She’s added more intensity to us. We have to press a lot more and use a different style of play," James said. "She’s added more to my game when I don’t have the ball. She’s pushed me because she’s quite demanding. She always wants more which helps you to be better."

Unfortunately for James, her personal progress was temporarily halted in early April when a hamstring injury ruled her out of Chelsea’s final stretch of the season. The timing was bitter, as she missed out on key WSL fixtures and the Blues’ FA Cup final triumph.

England are due to begin their defence of the European Championship in Switzerland in early July, and James is hopeful of playing a major role. Her presence would be a boost for the Lionesses.