Chelsea Women have confirmed Sonia Bompastor as their new head coach.
The 43-year-old succeeds Emma Hayes, who over 12 years led the Blues to 14 major trophies including a fifth straight league title on the final day of the recently concluded campaign. She leaves to become head coach of the United States.
Bompastor, who won seven trophies in her three years in charge of Lyon, begins her new role on July 1.
She said: “I am incredibly grateful to join Chelsea Football Club as the head coach of the women's team. 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.”
Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, 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.”
