Chelsea will wait until after Saturday’s Women’s Champions League Final before announcing the appointment of Lyon manager Sonia Bompastor as Emma Hayes’ successor.
French coach Bompastor has agreed to take over from Hayes, who was given a dream send-off as Chelsea claimed a fifth successive WSL title with a 6-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Bompastor is preparing Lyon to face holders Barcelona in the Champions League Final and her move to Chelsea will not be confirmed until that game is out the way. Hayes is leaving Chelsea to take over the United States women’s team and departs with big shoes to fill, having won 14 major trophies in 12 years at the club.
But Chelsea are confident Bompastor is the right coach to build on that legacy.
The 43-year-old is the only female manager to win the Women’s Champions League in the last 15 years. She has been in charge of Lyon since 2021, which is her first managerial job following an illustrious playing career that saw her capped more than 150 times for France.
After Chelsea pipped Manchester City to the WSL title on Saturday, Hayes said she is “absolutely leaving at the right time” because “I don’t have another drop to give it”.
Hayes was today due to fly to New York to start work with the United States as they prepare for the Olympics this summer. She said the Games in Paris will “re-energise” and “reinvigorate her”.
Hayes said: “I have given everything I’ve got. [I am] ready for my next adventure. My legacy is winning while building a team for the future.
“I can’t say it’s my most enjoyable [title], but it has definitely been the toughest one, without doubt, and for that reason probably the sweetest.
“I’m just so relieved it’s over.”
