Chelsea name Lyon boss Sonia Bompastor as Emma Hayes’ successor

Chelsea Women have appointed Lyon boss Sonia Bompastor as their head coach on a four-year deal.

The former France captain succeeds Emma Hayes, who left at the end of the season to take charge of the United States women’s national team.

Super League champions Chelsea inherit a manager who won three French league titles and the women’s Champions League in 2022 at Lyon.

Bompastor’s side reached this season’s Champions League final but suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Barcelona.

She will be accompanied by her assistants Camille Abily and Theo Rivrin.

“I am incredibly grateful to join Chelsea as the head coach of the women’s team,” said Bompastor. “It is an institution in English football. I will give my all to this new project to meet the ambitions of the club, the staff and the players.

“I hope to live up to Emma’s legacy and continue the work that has been done in recent years. Let the adventure begin.”

Chelsea general manager Paul Green said: “The sporting directors and I conducted a thorough and considered recruitment process to identify Emma’s successor.

“Sonia’s vision, coaching philosophy and winning mentality made her the outstanding candidate. She is a world-class coach with a proven track record of success on the biggest stages that will instantly command respect from the dressing room.”

Chelsea’s co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley added: “Sonia is the ideal candidate to build on Emma’s legacy and take the team forward.

“She brings a wealth of experience from managing at the highest levels and winning trophies as a player and a coach. Her ethos and values align with Chelsea Football Club. We are all looking forward to having her on board.”

PICTURE: PA