Millie Bright backs Lucy Bronze and Sonia Bompastor to end Chelsea European hoodoo - 'What she has achieved is crazy'

Chelsea begin their hunt for an elusive first ever UEFA Women's Champions League success when they take on Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening. Europe's biggest prize has so far eluded the WSL's most dominant side in recent years, but captain Millie Bright believes they may not be waiting much longer with the additions of manager Sonia Bompastor and the legendary Lucy Bronze.

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Chelsea captain Millie Bright believes the added experience of Sonia Bompastor and Lucy Bronze can help the Blues finally win the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Despite the domestic dominance that has seen them win the last five WSL titles, Chelsea remain empty-handed in Europe, with football’s top continental prize continuing to elude their grasp.

Bright’s side have reached the semi-finals four times and the final once in the last seven seasons, but have been unable to get over the line to lift the trophy for the first time in the club’s history.

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Chelsea have undergone some major changes over the summer with several players both in and out of the door at Kingsmeadow.

Most notably, the club replaced long-serving manager Emma Hayes with ex-Lyon boss Sonia Bompastor, as well as signing England legend Lucy Bronze from Barcelona.

Bright believes both additions will be key to Chelsea’s hopes of winning the competition.

“We've come very close,” she told TNT Sports. “And I think that they're the hardest ones to take when you're just not quite over that final line. But for us, I think we've never shied away from them. It's an ambition that the club, as players, and staff want.

“We've certainly been on a journey with the Champions League over the years, but it's certainly one we're just as passionate about winning. It's the one that we haven't won. I think everyone's aware of that, and we've spoken very openly about that.

“We've got a lot of changes this season, and Sonia coming in, she's laid the expectations down, and there's no shying away from what's expected of this group and what our ambitions are."

French manager Bompastor’s credentials are second to none. A stellar career under her belt as a player saw her win multiple league titles with both Montpellier and an all-conquering Lyon side, as well as lifting the Champions League twice with the latter.

Following her retirement, she also went on to manage Lyon, leading them to another Champions League title in 2022.

Bright has been impressed with the winning mentality Bompastor has instilled since arriving in west London, and believes the new boss will push the club to more glory in future.

“Sonia's laid the expectations and the demands of the group out from day one, and everyone's thriving in and relishing that new environment. The mentality is no different, and what's expected of us, performance-wise is no different in the Champions League, to the league, to the FA Cup, to the Conti Cup. That is just becoming the way that Chelsea play.”

On Bompastor’s prior success, she added: “I don't think that achievement as a player and a coach can be taken lightly, and it's something that as players, we need to use as our advantage.

“I'm sure she's doing an amazing job of bringing her experience to us and, like I said, we've never got over that final line, and there's a reason for that. So it's things to work on and things to be aware of, but I think just in general, us as a squad are very different from the past. And I think that, in itself, will put us in good stead moving forward.”

The Blues have also added veteran right-back Bronze to their ranks, who comes with an awe-inspiring history of success, particularly in the Champions League, having won the trophy three times with Lyon and most recently, claiming back-to-back titles with Barcelona.

“She needs no introduction or explaining,” Bright said. “I think to achieve what she has achieved is crazy.

“Just her winning mentality. Honestly, it's the biggest thing. She shows up to training to win. If she doesn't win, she's not happy, and I think that sets the standard. It sets the tone. And having another player like that within the squad, it really helps in terms of leadership, and having an extra person to drive the standards, to drive the team on.

“Not even using words verbally, just physically, and her actions and the way she carries herself, and how she plays in games, it's exactly what we need.

“Having players and managers that have actually won it, it does make a difference, and they know what it takes to go that extra mile and get over the line and lift that trophy.”

'We know her very well' - Bright wary of threat from ex-Blue Leupolz

The Blues kick off their campaign against Real Madrid and will be facing the Spanish giants for the third season running at this stage of the competition.

Chelsea have got the better of Madrid in the last four meetings, winning two and drawing two, but Bright acknowledges how tough a challenge they pose and will be taking nothing for granted.

“I think it's a good thing,” she said on renewing their rivalry with Madrid. “I think they're in the same position as us. They're a team that we know very well. Few changes personnel-wise, but I think that's the same for every team this season.

“In terms of their style of play, what they bring to games, I'm expecting that to be pretty much the same, but it's the same for them. They know us. They know what we're about. It's always a tough game. It's extremely difficult playing against them. Two top teams coming up against each other.”

Real madrid's Melanie Leupolz

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Bright is also relishing a reunion with former teammate Melanie Leupolz, who left Chelsea after four years this summer to join Las Blancas.

The Blues skipper remains fully switched on to the threat the German midfielder will pose when the two teams lock horns again.

“Definitely Mellie,” Bright said when pinpointing Madrid’s biggest weapons. “We know her very well. I think she gives that box to box, that athleticism, being able to carry the team forward, being able to have that energy to not only attack, but to defend.

“But all their players are very technical, a lot of attacking threats. So definitely a game to make sure defensively, that we're on our A-game. But equally, it's about focusing on ourselves as well, and us knowing what we can take from the game.”

Stream Manchester City vs Barcelona in the UEFA Women's Champions League on Wednesday 9 October live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

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