Chelsea have confirmed that Sonia Bompastor will become their new head coach on 1 July, signing a four-year contract following her three-year spell with Lyon.
She led Lyon to the Division 1 Feminine title in the last three seasons, has won the UEFA Women’s Champions League as both a player and a head coach.
Following Bompastor to Chelsea will be her assistants from Lyon; Camille Abily and Theo Rivrin.
Paul Green, general manager, told chelseafc.com: ‘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.”
Bompastor said: “I am incredibly grateful to join Chelsea Football Club as the head coach of the women’s team. It is an institution in English football. I will give my all to this new project to meet the ambitions of the club, the staff and the players.
‘I hope to live up to Emma [Hayes]’s legacy and continue the work that has been done in recent years. Let the adventure begin.”