Chelsea Women head coach Sonia Bompastor has highlighted the importance of the mid-season break, describing it as a crucial reset for the squad as the Blues prepare for the second half of the 2025/26 campaign.
After dominating the Women’s Super League (WSL) for six consecutive seasons, Chelsea have faced a more challenging year, with inconsistent results preventing them from maintaining their usual position at the top of the table. Against that backdrop, Bompastor stressed how valuable the end-of-year holidays were for restoring energy and focus.
Bompastor praises mental and physical reset
Speaking to Chelsea’s official website, the French coach emphasized the impact of the break on both players and staff.
“It was a very good break. I think it’s always important to have the opportunity to rebalance mentally and physically. Our job as coaches is very demanding, and the same goes for the players,” Bompastor said.
“It was a great opportunity to start over and come back with renewed energy and a new mentality.”
Her comments underline a shift in approach as Chelsea look to rediscover consistency during the decisive months of the season.
Focus turns to a demanding run of fixtures
Chelsea return to action this Sunday (11) with a Women’s Super League match against West Ham. Looking ahead, Bompastor acknowledged the importance of the upcoming schedule and explained why the club chose Portugal as their training base during the break.
“We know the importance of the upcoming series of games; we have many important matches ahead, and I think this is the best place for us to come and prepare for the second part of the season,” she added.
The Blues last played on December 21, when they delivered a historic 9–1 victory over Liverpool in the quarter-finals of the Women’s League Cup, securing a place in the semi-finals in emphatic fashion.
Chelsea’s season so far
Chelsea’s 2025/26 season has been marked by a high number of draws, which has cost them momentum in the WSL title race. Although they briefly led the league, they now sit second with 24 points, six behind leaders Manchester City.
In Europe, however, the Blues have been more consistent. Chelsea finished third in the Women’s Champions League league phase with 14 points, recording four wins and two draws to secure direct qualification for the quarter-finals.
