Lauren James has shared her candid thoughts on Chelsea’s managerial transition, applauding new boss Sonia Bompastor while honouring Emma Hayes' legacy. Hayes spent over a decade at the helm, guiding Chelsea Women through a golden era marked by relentless success and five consecutive Women’s Super League titles.
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- Hayes remains an iconic figure at Chelsea
- Won five consecutive WSL titles
- Bompastor secured Chelsea’s sixth straight WSL crown
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Replacing a figure as monumental as Hayes was never going to be an easy task. But Bompastor has already made her mark, claiming the League Cup in March and then securing Chelsea’s sixth straight WSL crown.
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WHAT JAMES SAID
James, a key figure in Chelsea’s recent campaigns, admitted that adapting to Bompastor’s methods took time, but she’s grown to thrive under her guidance.
"It was hard at first but I got used to it and now I’m cool," James said to the . "Emma left Sonia with a top team and she built that winning culture Chelsea are known for."
While Hayes was known for her tactical sharpness and inspirational leadership, Bompastor’s competitive edge and intense approach have become defining traits of her early Chelsea tenure.
"Sonia is one of the most competitive people I’ve come across. It’s not just about football – whatever it is, she wants to beat you," James added. "That gets passed down in the dressing room and in training – always thinking about the next thing we can win."
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Under Bompastor, Chelsea’s style has undergone noticeable tweaks. James highlighted the tactical shift towards a more aggressive pressing system and a heavier focus on off-the-ball responsibilities.
"She’s added more intensity to us. We have to press a lot more and use a different style of play," James said. "She’s added more to my game when I don’t have the ball. She’s pushed me because she’s quite demanding. She always wants more which helps you to be better."
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WHAT NEXT FOR JAMES?
Unfortunately for James, her personal progress was temporarily halted in early April when a hamstring injury ruled her out of Chelsea’s final stretch of the season. The timing was bitter, as she missed out on key WSL fixtures and the Blues’ FA Cup final triumph.
England are due to begin their defence of the European Championship in Switzerland in early July, and James is hopeful of playing a major role. Her presence would be a boost for the Lionesses.
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