In this video
- Asked where her players were, Chelsea's manager says many are on individual programmes after quick turnarounds. Everything is under control, and there will be enough to play.
- Kerr had not landed yet and a team-mate had only just arrived, the manager says. It is too soon and too high a risk to involve them tomorrow.
- The manager says this is not a crisis: at a club like Chelsea there are moments when you work with the players available. She still sees a lot of quality in them.
- Cuthbert hates to complain and calls it the best job in the world. But as the calendar gets more condensed, she expects fans to see the biggest players less often.
- Cuthbert relishes another Champions League quarter-final and does not think the tie is won or lost tomorrow. Arsenal are in a good moment, with fans who will get behind them.
- Kerr and a team-mate came back separately because of the war, the manager says: no route through Dubai, and seats together were hard to find. Kerr lands the morning after the game.
“I think I made myself busy. I was out for dinner.”
- Asked about Bright and Naomi, the manager says Bright will miss the game because she is still dealing with her ankle. Naomi will be available.
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor and midfielder Erin Cuthbert spoke ahead of a huge Women’s Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal, addressing Chelsea’s fitness concerns, squad management, and the challenge of preparing for one of the biggest games of the season.
Despite several players following individual programmes and some late fitness checks, Bompastor insisted Chelsea are ready and have enough quality to compete on a massive European night.
Erin Cuthbert also spoke about the reality of the packed calendar, explaining why players sometimes need to sacrifice training time to stay available for the biggest matches. Both made it clear that Chelsea are fully focused on Arsenal, with Bompastor highlighting the quality in both squads and the importance of getting the key moments right over two legs.
Can Chelsea rise to the occasion and take control of this Women’s Champions League showdown against Arsenal?
