Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor says her team are aiming to perform at their peak in what will be a big game against Manchester City on Wednesday night.
The Blues will travel to The Joie Stadium to take on the Cityzens in the semi-finals of the Subway Women’s League Cup.
Speaking to the media before the match, Chelsea coach Bompastor said that the match represents a great match and that her team will try to perform at their highest level.
“When you are Chelsea and you are the reigning champions of the competition, you know what to expect from the other teams and you know that everyone is extra motivated to play against us,” Bompastor said. “Right now, City are performing very well and I think it will be a great game. It’s very exciting to face a team in good form.
“Rather than focusing on being the defending champions, we see Wednesday’s game as a great match and an opportunity to perform at our best level.”
Manchester City are unbeaten since losing 2-1 to Chelsea on the opening day of the season. Bopastor has seen a lot of improvement in the Cityzens’ final third this season.
He said: “Andrée [Jeglertz] They have been able to maintain the same philosophy in terms of a team that wants to have possession of the ball, but now they are more vertical and effective in the final third. The way they are playing and scoring goals is probably the biggest difference from last season.
“I would say that the fact of playing one game per week helps a lot to have the players in shape and available to perform each week and to be able to arrive at each game in their best condition.
“They have been very good and we know that we are going to face a great challenge.”
Chelsea face Manchester City in both the league and the cup in a span of 11 days, with a match against Arsenal in between. Bopastor believes there is enough quality in the squad to compete in those three big games.
She said: “It’s important to keep everyone fit and available to play the big games, but when you’re at Chelsea the schedule is tight and you play a lot of games. Unfortunately, sometimes we have injuries. It’s important for me to trust the players who are available and get the most out of them.
“We have enough quality with the squad that is available now to perform in the next three games.”
Chelsea’s Subway Women’s League Cup match at Manchester City will kick off at 7pm on Wednesday.
