Chelsea announce Champions League winner as new manager
Sonia Bompastor will take over as manager of Chelsea, effective immediately. Emma Hayes is departing to take a position as head coach of the US women’s national team.
Bompastor, 43, is originally from Lyon, where she enjoyed great success, including captaining the squad to the 2022 Champions League championship.
In the summer, she will move to Chelsea with her assistant, Camille Abily.
Paul Green, Chelsea general manager, 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.”
Hayes lasted 12 years at Chelsea, where she was very successful. Chelsea would indeed need a top manager to replace her.
Bompastor has signed a four-year contract with Chelsea, and comes with a huge reputation from Lyon where she won seven major honours during her three years in charge.