Millie Bright believes Chelsea's past misfortune in the Champions League has placed them in ideal stead in their pursuit for the trophy that has agonisingly eluded the club.
The Blues have established themselves as an insatiable silverware beast in the women’s game over the last decade and since the England centre-back’s arrival to the west London club in 2015, Chelsea have claimed six WSL title, two Conti Cups and four FA Cups. Yet, one trophy painfully remains absent from manager Emma Hayes ’ cabinet: the Champions League.
In 2021, the Blues reached the tournament’s final but fell to a 4-0 defeat to an impeccable Barcelona side. The following season, Chelsea failed to get out of the group stages.
But Bright believes the recent adversity has only bolstered Chelsea’s mentality as they continue their European campaign come March. Chelsea reached the quarter-finals after topping an unenviable group in Paris St. Germain, Real Madrid and Vllaznia.
It was a feat that Bright played a critical role in not only as a stalwart in the backline but a necessary spark in attack as the 29-year-old's decisive goal in Chelsea’s group stage opener against PSG helped fire her side into a winning run during a tricky streak in which Hayes was absent from the touchline following her emergency hysterectomy.
While Bright acknowledges the quality touted in Europe, the Chesterfield-born defender considers that match, in particular, a microcosm of the crucial growth Chelsea have undergone after their previous painful experiences in Europe.
"We believe in ourselves to win in Europe, 100%," Bright told the Mirror. "We have a tougher mentality now.
"The PSG game away was one of my favourite games in Europe. We dominated and got a great result. They are a top, top team. The scoreline didn’t reflect how well we played, but to go and deal with such an intense atmosphere was nice. It showed a new Chelsea on that level.
"But every team at that level is different from last season, they’ve all made big signings. It’s almost like we’re playing new teams, so we have to be prepared for anyone in that competition. Our mentality is to get the job done.”
Chelsea’s newly honed mentality will also be required as they embark on their mission for a fourth successive WSL title, as well as a place in the FA Cup and FA WSL Cup. With Chelsea’s senior ranks conspicuously not strengthened during the January transfer window and a fiercely hectic fixture schedule on the horizon, relying on the squad’s camaraderie and conviction will be key, said Bright, though she’d not have it any other way.
"These next few weeks are going to be all guns blazing. But I love it when there’s a lot of games, I think I get in a rhythm which really helps,” she said.
"It’s just exciting knowing I’ve got so many big games coming up in big competitions. It has been really competitive and challenging this season, winning trophies is only getting harder each year, but we know this time of the year is going to be big.
"And we relish this as a team. It’s going to take even more than what we had last year. But I’m also really proud as a female footballer to see the league growing with better overseas players coming to play and youngsters coming through. This is the best league to play in, in the women’s game.
"I’ve always said I want to be part of the change that sees women’s football go to the next level and take off. And we really are getting there."
Chelsea continued their unbeaten run in the WSL with a 3-1 London derby victory over Tottenham on Sunday. The win places Chelsea top of the table after Manchester United dropped points in a goalless draw against Everton.
Chelsea return to action when they travel to West Ham mid-week for the FA WSL semi-final before the international break.
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