Sonia Bompastor, the French manager of Chelsea Football Club, has had a remarkable season, which she describes as incredibly special. Under her guidance, the team achieved a historic milestone by finishing the Women’s Super League (WSL) season unbeaten, marking them the first club to maintain an ‘invincible’ record throughout a 22-game campaign. This season not only showcased Chelsea’s strength on the pitch but also culminated in a celebration filled with emotional moments for Bompastor, who was joined by her children as the team lifted their latest trophy after a stunning finish against Liverpool.
On a recent Saturday, Chelsea secured their unbeaten season with a dramatic stoppage-time victory over Liverpool, thanks to a last-minute goal from academy graduate Aggie Beever-Jones. This result not only allowed Chelsea to remain undefeated but also highlighted their significant achievement of surpassing their own previous points record, finishing the season with an impressive total of 60 points. Erin Cuthbert, a key player for Chelsea, expressed that while titles are significant, aiming for records adds another layer of fulfillment to their accomplishments.
The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge during the season’s final match was electric, with jubilant players celebrating their historical success amidst confetti and fireworks. Captain Millie Bright received the league trophy while her teammates reveled in the joy of triumph. Bompastor later shared her happiness about sharing this celebratory moment with her family, emphasizing the balance between her career and family life. She expressed the mixed feelings that accompany a demanding role such as hers—the traveling and time away from home are often hard for her children, making these moments all the more crucial.
Reflecting on her coaching journey, Bompastor admitted that achieving an unbeaten record was not initially set as their target, but once the title was secured against Manchester United, the possibility of going through the season without a defeat became real. It was a sentiment echoed by defender Lucy Bronze, who aimed for an invincible record since the early part of the season.
Notably, Chelsea’s unbeaten run is only the fourth instance of an English women’s team completing a season without losing, and it stands as a testament to the team’s consistency. Previous teams to achieve unbeaten seasons had fewer matches, making Chelsea’s 22-game campaign particularly remarkable. Bompastor’s squad surpassed their own best points tally and achieved the highest points-per-game ratio in WSL history, highlighting their staggering performance throughout the season.
Despite the stellar stats, the road was not without its challenges. Bompastor took over from the long-time influential coach Emma Hayes, and her transition was described as somewhat “transitional” as the squad adapted to her new coaching styles. Throughout the season, Chelsea won numerous matches by narrow margins and had to grind out results in critical junctures, particularly in high-stakes scenarios when trailing in games.
Bompastor articulated a deep sense of accomplishment, referencing that maintaining consistency in performance was crucial against intense competition in the WSL. She acknowledged how challenging times underscored their determination and focus, reflecting that they managed to prevail even when games did not go as planned. With the season’s end, Bompastor is now contemplating the legacies created through their successes, but her focus remains steadfast on fostering a culture of excellence within the elite women’s football narrative.
Overall, Chelsea’s historic unbeaten season remains etched in WSL history, further solidifying their status as one of the preeminent teams in English women’s football. The question of whether they are the greatest WSL team in history emerges naturally, and while Bompastor approached that with humility, the records and titles they amassed during the season speak volumes of their prowess and dedication towards achieving success in women’s football.