Football Season Guide

The run of seven consecutive WSL titles ended last term. Finished only third in what was their worst season in a decade. Still won 15 of their 22 league games and made deep runs in both domestic cup competitions, but the impossibly high standards set mean the season was a failure. Lots of injury issues all year impacted the displays a lot. The two main stars in attack Sam Kerr and Mayra Ramírez hardly played all year. The latter never featured after sustaining a nasty injury in the final friendly before the season. Missing at times up to 10 field players due to injuries or suspensions coach Bompastor did well to keep the Blues competitive. The ingenuity of the French manager in her use of the Academy players was the main reason why she was voted Manager of the Season. Despite the departure of talismanic striker Kerr and the retirement of the team’s captain and best centre-back Bright Chelsea have not been splashing much cash so far this summer. The arrival of veteran left-back McCabe from Arsenal and that of aggressive striker Malard from Man United are probably the most notable incoming moves up to now. They both could be regular starters. Bompastor proved last season she can develop young players. Teenage centre-back Veerle Buurman, just turned 20, was voted Best Young Player of the Season. She will likely take the spot vacated by Bright. With Chelsea’s U21s and U19s both national champions more talented teenagers could be integrated in the first team as the season progresses. The main question is how healthy the squad will be this term. If the main starters stay fit Chelsea will be as good as ever but with the incoming transfers so far not that many if injuries occur again in large numbers the Blues might struggle.