In this video
- Asked for team news, Bompastor said Sam Kerr is fine but will not be available for the game. She thinks it is just about managing her comeback; after 90 minutes, the plan was for her to rest a little.
- Asked about Lauren James, Bompastor said they felt maybe an England call-up came a little too soon. She is available to start, but probably not fully fit to play 90 minutes.
- Asked where the team is, Bompastor said not where they want to be, and recent results have not been the ones they wanted. They probably need to be more clinical; she thinks they are underperforming.
“I can't take the smile off my face. I was an absolute mess.”
- Asked about Chelsea's record against Barcelona, the midfielder said she wants to get one over them every time. She did not think they performed at their best level in the two games against them this year.
- Asked if a win over Barcelona would help, the midfielder said of course, but it is not a crisis. They are in a good position in the Champions League and the league, where three points adrift is not a bad place to be.
- Asked whether this is the closest Chelsea have felt to Barcelona, Bompastor said she does not feel any different this season. They are a really good team, but she trusts the quality in her squad.
- Asked which Barcelona player she looks forward to facing, the midfielder said none in particular. She loves testing herself against the best players in the world, and their midfield three are her direct opponents.
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor confirms Sam Kerr will not be available for the UEFA Women’s Champions League clash against Barcelona. Despite training recently, the Australian forward is still being carefully managed as part of her injury recovery plan.
Lauren James is back in the squad and available to start though not yet fit for the full 90 minutes. Bompastor emphasized Chelsea’s focus on efficiency and mentality ahead of facing one of Europe’s top sides at Stamford Bridge.
With key players like Erin Cuthbert expressing their desire to finally get one over Barça, the motivation is sky-high for this intense rivalry.
The manager acknowledged that Chelsea must be more clinical in the final third and that despite underwhelming recent performances, belief remains strong within the squad.
Expect a high-level tactical match as Chelsea aim to rewrite their European narrative.
