Millie Bright supports Lucy Bronze and Sonia Bompastor in their efforts to break Chelsea’s European curse.

**Chelsea Captain Millie Bright Eyes Champions League Glory with New Additions**

Chelsea captain Millie Bright is optimistic that the experience of new signings Sonia Bompastor and Lucy Bronze will be pivotal in the Blues’ quest to finally clinch the UEFA Women’s Champions League title. Despite their domestic dominance, having secured the last five Women’s Super League (WSL) titles, Chelsea have yet to taste success on the European stage, with the coveted trophy remaining tantalisingly out of reach.

In recent seasons, Chelsea have come agonisingly close, reaching the semi-finals on four occasions and the final once in the last seven years. However, the club has struggled to convert those opportunities into silverware, leaving them still searching for their first Champions League triumph in history.

This summer has seen significant changes at Kingsmeadow, with a number of players departing and new faces arriving. The most notable of these changes is the appointment of former Lyon manager Sonia Bompastor, who has taken over from long-serving boss Emma Hayes. Additionally, the signing of England legend Lucy Bronze from Barcelona adds further strength to the squad.

Bright is confident that both Bompastor and Bronze will play crucial roles in Chelsea’s ambitions for European glory. “We’ve come very close,” she remarked in an interview with TNT Sports. “And I think that they’re the hardest ones to take when you’re just not quite over that final line. But for us, I think we’ve never shied away from them. It’s an ambition that the club, as players, and staff want.”

Reflecting on the club’s journey in the Champions League, Bright added, “We’ve certainly been on a journey with the Champions League over the years, but it’s certainly one we’re just as passionate about winning. It’s the one that we haven’t won. I think everyone’s aware of that, and we’ve spoken very openly about that.”

With Bompastor at the helm, Bright has noted a shift in expectations. “Sonia’s laid the expectations and the demands of the group out from day one, and everyone’s thriving in and relishing that new environment,” she said. “The mentality is no different, and what’s expected of us, performance-wise, is no different in the Champions League, to the league, to the FA Cup, to the Conti Cup. That is just becoming the way that Chelsea play.”

Bompastor’s impressive credentials as both a player and a coach cannot be overlooked. Having enjoyed a successful playing career with Montpellier and Lyon, where she won multiple league titles and two Champions League trophies, she later led Lyon to another Champions League title in 2022 as a manager. Bright believes that Bompastor’s winning mentality will be instrumental in Chelsea’s pursuit of success.

“I don’t think that achievement as a player and a coach can be taken lightly,” Bright stated. “It’s something that as players, we need to use as our advantage. I’m sure she’s doing an amazing job of bringing her experience to us.”

The addition of Lucy Bronze, a three-time Champions League winner with Lyon and a recent back-to-back title holder with Barcelona, further bolsters Chelsea’s squad. Bright praised Bronze’s winning mentality, saying, “Just her winning mentality. Honestly, it’s the biggest thing. She shows up to training to win. If she doesn’t win, she’s not happy, and I think that sets the standard.”

As Chelsea prepare to kick off their Champions League campaign against Real Madrid, Bright is aware of the challenge that lies ahead. The two teams will meet for the third consecutive season at this stage of the competition, with Chelsea having the upper hand in their previous encounters, winning two and drawing two.

“I think it’s a good thing,” Bright said of facing Madrid again. “They’re a team that we know very well. A few changes personnel-wise, but I think that’s the same for every team this season. It’s always a tough game. It’s extremely difficult playing against them. Two top teams coming up against each other.”

Bright is particularly keen to face former teammate Melanie Leupolz, who left Chelsea this summer to join the Spanish giants. “Definitely Mellie,” she said when discussing Madrid’s threats. “We know her very well. I think she gives that box-to-box, that athleticism, being able to carry the team forward.”

As Chelsea gear up for what promises to be an exciting encounter, Bright remains focused on both the challenges posed by Madrid and the strengths of her own team. “It’s about focusing on ourselves as well, and us knowing what we can take from the game,” she concluded.

With the new season underway, the Blues are determined to make their mark on the Champions League and finally lift that elusive trophy.