Chelsea Delays Sonia Bompastor Manager Announcement Until After Women’s Champions League Final

Lyon Boss Sonia Bompastor Set to Join Chelsea After UWCL Final Against Barcelona

Chelsea won’t announce the appointment of Lyon manager Sonia Bompastor as Emma Hayes’ replacement until after Saturday’s Women’s Champions League Final. Bompastor is focused on preparing Lyon for their big game against Barcelona, the current champions.

The French coach has agreed to take over from Hayes, who is leaving Chelsea after an impressive career, capped by winning a fifth consecutive Women’s Super League (WSL) title with a 6-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Bompastor’s move to Chelsea will be confirmed once the Champions League Final is done. Hayes is heading to the United States to coach the national team, departing Chelsea with a remarkable record of 14 major trophies in 12 years.

Chelsea believes Bompastor is the perfect person to continue Hayes’ successful legacy. At 43, Bompastor is the only woman to win the Women’s Champions League in the past 15 years. She has been managing Lyon since 2021 after a stellar playing career, earning over 150 caps for France.

After Chelsea’s recent title win, Hayes expressed her satisfaction with the timing of her departure, stating, “I’m absolutely leaving at the right time because I don’t have another drop to give.”

Hayes is now headed to New York to begin her new role with the United States team as they gear up for the Olympics this summer. She believes the Paris Games will be a revitalizing experience.

Reflecting on her time at Chelsea, Hayes said, “I have given everything I’ve got. I’m ready for my next adventure. My legacy is winning while building a team for the future.”

She also shared that this latest title was the toughest yet, making it all the more rewarding, and concluded with a sense of relief, saying, “I’m just so relieved it’s over.”