Chelsea confirmed the appointment of a new head coach

Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Sonia Bompastor as the new head coach of their women’s team to replace the long-serving Emma Hayes. Bompastor has signed a four-year contract at the Blues, arriving from Lyon where she won seven major honours during her three years in charge. She is tasked with filling the void to be left by Hayes, who ends her 12-year stay with the club.

Bompastor’s final game in charge of Lyon was this season’s Champions League final in Bilbao, where Barcelona won 2-0. The former France international will be joined by her Lyon assistant coaches Camille Abily and Theo Rivrin in the capital.

Paul Green, Chelsea general manager, said: ‘The sporting directors and I conducted a thorough and considered recruitment process to identify Emma’s successor. ‘Sonia’s vision, coaching philosophy and winning mentality made her the outstanding candidate. ‘She is a world-class coach with a proven track record of success on the biggest stages that will instantly command respect from the dressing room.’ Chelsea’s co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley 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.’ Hayes meanwhile has joined the United States women’s national team.

She ended her hugely successful spell at the club by securing a seventh Women’s Super League – this their fifth in a row – having also won five FA Cups and two League Cups.