Chelsea Women faced FC Twente for their Women's Champions League opener, ending in a disappointing 1-1 draw. The result has put manager Sonia Bompastor under scrutiny, with questions raised about team selection and overall performance.
Bompastor's Team Selection Questioned
Former England forward Lianne Sanderson criticized Bompastor's decision to make seven changes to the starting XI, suggesting it led to a disjointed performance. Sanderson believes Bompastor may have underestimated Twente, leading to the unfavorable result.
Despite Bompastor's impressive record as Chelsea boss, with 38 wins in 46 games, the draw against Twente has highlighted the high expectations surrounding the team, particularly in the Champions League. Barcelona's dominant win against Bayern Munich further amplified the pressure on Chelsea to deliver a strong performance.
Carpenter Disappointed But Sees Sarwie's Debut as a Positive
Ellie Carpenter expressed her disappointment with the draw and the team's performance. She acknowledged Twente's strong defensive organization and their effectiveness in neutralizing Chelsea's attacking threats. However, Carpenter also highlighted the positive debut of 16-year-old Chloe Sarwie, who impressed with her brief appearance.
Sarwie's Promising Debut
Carpenter praised Sarwie's talent and expressed excitement about her potential future contributions to the team. Sarwie's debut provides a glimpse into the future of Chelsea Women and adds a spark of optimism despite the disappointing result against Twente.
Chelsea will need to quickly regroup as they prepare to face Tottenham Hotspur in the WSL. The Champions League campaign is just beginning, and Chelsea will be looking to bounce back and demonstrate their title credentials.
- Key Takeaways:
- Chelsea Women draw 1-1 with FC Twente in Champions League opener.
- Sonia Bompastor faces scrutiny over team selection.
- Ellie Carpenter praises debutant Chloe Sarwie.