Chelsea hires Sonia Bompastor as its new head coach after Emma Hayes' departure

LONDON (AP) — Women’s Super League champion Chelsea hired Lyon manager Sonia Bompastor on Wednesday as its new head coach with a four-year deal.

The 43-year-old Bompastor takes over from Emma Hayes, who for more than 12 years led the Blues to 14 major trophies including a fifth straight league title on the final day of the recently concluded season. Hayes left to become the U.S. women’s soccer coach.

Bompastor, who won seven trophies in her three years in charge of Lyon, begins her new role on July 1.

“I am incredibly grateful to join Chelsea Football Club as the head coach of the women’s team. It is an institution in English football,” the former France international said.

“I hope to live up to Emma’s legacy and continue the work that has been done in recent years. Let the adventure begin.”

Bompastor’s last match in charge of Lyon was a 2-0 defeat to Barcelona on Saturday in the Women’s Champions League final. Lyon was seeking a record-extending ninth European trophy.