Chelsea Women boss Sonia Bompastor has signed a new contract that runs until 2030.
The decision comes despite Chelsea being set to miss out on their first Women’s Super League title since 2019. Chelsea sit 12 points behind WSL leaders Manchester City with eight matches remaining, following a 5-1 defeat to City last weekend.
After that game Bompastor said she would leave if the club’s hierarchy did not feel she was the right person for the job. Instead, Chelsea have chosen to back her.
“Renewing her contract reflects our belief in her leadership, her vision, and the stability she brings to the club,” said Chelsea directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstantley. “There is still a lot to play for this season as we continue to compete for all major trophies. We are very excited for Sonia and the team for the next phase both in the short and long term.”
Bompastor said she felt the club’s support despite the league disappointment. “I still feel the support of the club,” she said. “It has been clear. I don’t feel under pressure. With the language barrier I maybe didn’t express that correctly after the [Man City] game. But the support has been unbelievable. They support the women’s team. They support me and the players. I have no doubt about that.”
Analysis — Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz:
Chelsea have endured an unusual spell recently, losing to Arsenal and Manchester City to register back-to-back league defeats for the first time in 11 years. It is also the first time Bompastor has lost consecutive matches in her managerial career, which stretches to nearly 200 games.
Standing by Bompastor may provide a timely boost. While the league title appears likely to go elsewhere, Chelsea still have major competitions to contest: Manchester United await in both the FA Cup fifth round and the League Cup final, and the Champions League last eight begins at the end of March. Winning a first Champions League title would overshadow current league concerns, and the club’s decision sends a message to rivals that it remains committed to the Bompastor project.