Millie Bright is calm about her place at Chelsea despite the “unusual situation” of being benched in recent games.
The Chelsea captain has been an ever-present figure in the squad for the last decade.
However, she was recently named on the bench in Champions League clashes with Barcelona and St. Polten, as well as their 1-0 defeat to Everton. She was also hooked off at half-time during their 1-1 draw with Liverpool.
The timing has coincided with Naomi Girma’s return to fitness. Girma has started recent games alongside Nathalie Bjorn or Lucy Bronze.
Millie Bright reacts to being benched by Sonia Bompastor
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League clash with Roma, Bright appeared calm by her place in the team.
She said: “No one’s going to enjoy spectating. It’s not where you want to be as players. I wouldn’t expect anything less from any other player.
“You want to play, you’re at one of the best clubs in the world and I think with every individual, you never set out to be sitting on the bench.
“That’s no one’s mentality. But it’s a team sport and we have a very big squad with a lot of talent, a lot of depth, and everyone’s fighting for their position.”
She did, however, admit that it has been an “unusual situation” to be on the bench.
On this day in 2014, our captain Millie Bright signed for the Blues. ✍️
Since then she’s won 19 major honours with the club and become the @BarclaysWSL all-time appearance maker. 💙 pic.twitter.com/qIZiU0eY5E
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) December 10, 2025
Bright said: “Yes, it’s an unusual situation and I think, obviously, that sparks conversation and opinion from the outside but, again, I know where I stand.
“You just have to keep working hard every day. That’s the price you pay for being at a top club with world-class players around you. Everyone’s competing. No one’s position is secure, no matter what your role is within the team.”
Bright, 32, joined Chelsea in December 2014 and has made 277 appearances for the WSL champions in all competitions, scoring 15 goals.
She recently retired from international football after winning 88 caps for the Lionesses.
Will Bright start against Roma?
Bright appears likely to start in Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Roma, after speaking in their pre-match press conference.
Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor revealed that Bjorn will miss the tie, after also missing the clash against Everton.
The Blues suffered their first defeat in 34 games, with Everton securing a historic victory.
It has left Chelsea six points behind Manchester City in the fight for the Women’s Super League title.
Bompastor is confident of a strong Chelsea response following Sunday’s defeat.
