Chelsea chief coach Sonia Bompastor emphasized the importance of winning the first trophy of the season after her side Manchester City defeated 2-1 in the League Cup final to stay on track for an unprecedented four-time.
Chelsea was made to work hard for the victory in Pride Park, but they managed to get hold of the first domestic trophy of the season, ending a series of three straight losses in the final in the trial.
The victory, secured thanks to the spectacular own goal of Yui Hasegawa 13 minutes of time, was the perfect way for Bompastor to start a crucial run of four games in just 12 days in three different games against City.
“We are really happy,” the French woman told BBC Sport. “You know that when you are in a final, it is always the most important thing to win. The game was not easy, but I am really happy with the victory.
“The first trophy in the season, it's always important. I just told my players that it is really important that we are about to turn the words into actions today.
“We worked so hard every day from the start of the season and today was a huge positivity of the players to perform and win a title.
“I am really happy with that. I think it really deserves for all the work we have done.”
Chelsea is on Wednesday evening on Wednesday evening in the first stage of their UEFA Champions League Quartefinal on the City Football Academy, before they resume the Etihad only four days later while they want to close their super league title of their ladies.
The run comes to an end when the two teams meet on 27 March on Stamford Bridge for the second stage of their Champions League Last-Eight Showdown, with Chelsea still undefeated in all competitions under their new boss.
Bompastor quickly acknowledged that City's challenge set its players, but the Nick Cushing team rightly drew the level due to the long -distance strike of Aoba Fujino halfway through the second half.
The blues head coach said, however, that she was also proud of the way her side responded to that equalizer to continue and win the game.
“City had a good performance, it was a difficult game for us, we knew that,” Bompastor added. “It was again important that we found a way to win. I am most proud of that.”
However, Bompastor made it clear that although her players were allowed to celebrate their triumph on Saturday evening, with the next city meeting so fast, they all have to be back in bed at 9.30 pm!
“My players know exactly the rules,” she said. “I told them that it is important to certainly celebrate, but we have a match against City on Wednesday and we have to be ready because we are expecting another difficult game.
“No, they can just come out until 9 p.m. 9:30 am in bed.”
'Chelsea sent a message to Man City and their rivals'
Analysis by Sky Sports News reporter Anton Toloui in Pride Park:
“Chelsea sent a message to Man City and every team that she would beat in a trophy this season.
“The champions know how to blow teams out of the water, but have proven today that they have the experience, determination and the ability to win in the trenches.
“City took a swing in Chelsea, but couldn't get a killing blow.
“Nick Cushing says that his team needs more belief in their capacities, they don't have to rediscover that trust with the quarterfinals of the Champions League away for a few days.”
Bright: We always find a way to win
Chelsea Captain Millie Bright to BBC Sport:
“We are really happy and it is the start that we wanted for these next four games and more importantly, today it was all about winning and that is what we did.
“It would always be a tight game. They had opportunities, we had the chances. We defended very well from behind and had to remove a few chances.
“The mentality to never give in is something that Chelsea has had in their DNA for a long time. We always find a way to win, whether it's a good day or a bad day.”
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