The Sonia Bompastor who sits down in front of me is not the ice-cool coach that you see on the sidelines on MatchDay, in fact she is exactly the opposite. She is talkative, warm and funny – almost two different people and that is the way she likes it.
There is Bompastor the football coach and then the other Bompastor, one person who did not know much until this week.
She usually managed to keep the two parties at the length of poor, but this week in an interview in France prior to the publication of her new autobiography that bumped the two.
The Chelsea head coach admitted a secret that she had saved for 13 years: she had a relationship with her former teammate and now coached Assistant Camille Abily. They share four children together.
She felt that she had no choice but to hide and compartmentalize her life, but admits that it was an incredible burden to wear.
“I grew up with a model where a couple was a man and a woman and it was too difficult for me to say that I am in a few with a woman,” she tells Sky Sports exclusively.
“So yes, sometimes it was difficult. It is still difficult. If you start to lie, it is difficult to say the truth and when it is long, and the longer it is, it is harder to say.
“I just wrote that book to give something to my children. If you write a book, you of course don't want to hide anything. That is the way you can simply place your life in the book and talk about it and I think my family is probably what I am most proud of.
“I really like my private life, but with this book everything goes in and yes, that's not the best way to keep a secret. It was difficult because even today I am not really at ease to talk about and maybe I realize that I can also be a model for some people.
“That is not something I am used to and not comfortable, but yes, if I can help people realize that we live in 2025 and every difference is important. I don't want people to judge because they are different about sexuality, but also the color of the skin, religion and everything.
“If you are happy, keep yourself happy. And that's the most important thing.”
The process of opening part of her life to be publicly investigated has been a challenge, but the reaction was really positive. “It is when you realize that people care about your happiness and that is the most important thing,” she continued.
Perhaps if she was a player who now came through the system, life may have been different, she will certainly hope so. “I think we have made some good progress in the football world, but also in society.
“I now feel more at ease to express that now. It was not 15 years ago. So I now feel people, especially in Chelsea, we feel support. I have already talked about how much diversity we are in the team and I think that is really important for people to feel.”
As we talk, she gives a rare look at family life and even jokes about having four children under 10 years old in her role as a powerful football coach. “Really busy, organized, and you have to anticipate a lot,” she laughs. “With my private life and this job with high responsibility, I think I just find the right balance. And if you just go back to your normal life, it's good to have your children because you can disconnect.”
Downtime is something bombastor values. During the last international break, she brought back to France for three days with friends and family, enjoy shopping, eating out and the newest survivals show 'Koh-Lanta' Bingen.
Now the switch has been turned back to the Bompastor manager.
This is the moment in the interview that the Chelsea boss really comes to life. The steel, composed focus is back when we talk about entering the decisive few months of the season and winning trophies – what does a good season look like for you, I ask? Without hesitation, Bompastor replies: “winning titles. That is always the most important thing.”
All four games, I follow: “Yes, everyone,” – again no break.
“It is always difficult to win every trophy, even one trophy, it is really difficult, but when you start the season, you realize that this team is built to compete and win titles.
“So yes, satisfaction will only be if we win the four titles. We are going to fight very hard to ensure that we are in that position. I think we have the right mentality to ensure that we approach every game in a good way to be successful.”
Next for Chelsea is a return to WSL action against Brighton. A winner of a stopping time from Lauren James saw them come from a goal to beat Everton the last time-out and to maintain their lead of seven points at the top.
Chelsea is the only unbeaten team in the competition and has only dropped two points this season and drawn 1-1 in Leicester. They also added two stars to their already shimmering collection in January with Keira Walsh and one of the world's best defenders Naomi Girma, for a world record compensation. Girma should be in the team for the trip to Brighton.
Chelsea is then faced with a stunning four meetings on three separate games against Rivals Manchester City, all in the room of 12 days. First comes the League Cup final, followed by the first stage of their Champions League Last-Eight Tie, for a WSL face-off for a good measure. Oh and a European second stage. It is a seasonal period.
The coveted Champions League is the one who has escaped Chelsea so far and the trophy that the club is desperately to get hold of. “This is where you can win titles and this is what everyone is here.
“We are very happy with being busy. At the moment we have won nothing, but we are in a really good position and confident. When you wake up in the morning, you are just so happy to come to work.
“Even if it's hard for me to say work, because for us it's a passion. And we can't wait to play every game, one after the other, and be able to be successful. Chelsea has been an example for everyone, but I think bringing the Champions League to England would be a big performance. This country deserves to do that.
“But even if Man City of Arsenal gets this title, it will be really good for the country.”
It is difficult to bet against Bompastor about the proof of her first few months that are in charge.
Chelsea has been almost perfect and Bompastor is a self -proclaimed perfectionist. Expect Chelsea to raise their level to a different equipment, now that it really matters.
View Brighton vs Chelsea (3 p.m.) and Arsenal vs West Ham (5.30 p.m.) Live on Sky Sports on Sunday. Stream without contract now
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