It seems the ink has barely dried on her contract, but new Chelsea Women’s manager Sonia Bompastor has already waded into one of English football’s most talked-about rivalries. In a clear move, the new Chelsea boss Bompastor backs ‘class’ Hampton after Earps comments threatened to unsettle the England camp.
The Mary Earps Comments That Sparked the Debate
For those who missed the initial stir, the drama began with remarks made by Manchester United’s Mary Earps. The Lionesses’ star keeper, in discussing the dynamics within the national team’s goalkeeping unit, spoke of “unspoken things that go on behind closed doors” and a breakdown of the so-called ‘goalkeepers’ union’.
While she didn’t name names, the comments were widely interpreted as a thinly veiled reference to the intense competition and a strained relationship with her understudies, including Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton. The remarks sent ripples through the football community, painting a picture of a fractured camp and putting the spotlight firmly on the goalkeepers vying for that coveted England jersey.
Bompastor’s Decisive Defence of Hampton
Enter Sonia Bompastor. Taking the helm from the legendary Emma Hayes, Bompastor knows that managing a club like Chelsea is about more than just tactics; it’s about managing personalities and protecting players.
In one of her first major public statements, Bompastor didn’t mince her words. She described Hampton not just as a “class player” but, perhaps more importantly, as a “class person.” This was not a generic vote of confidence; it was a targeted, powerful endorsement designed to quell the narrative and publicly back her new number one amid the fallout from the Earps comments.
A Manager’s Masterstroke for Chelsea
For Chelsea, this is a masterstroke. Bompastor has immediately shown her squad that she has their backs. By publicly defending Hampton, she sends a message to the entire dressing room: this is a sanctuary, and the club comes first. It builds trust and loyalty before a ball has even been kicked in the new Women’s Super League season. It’s a classic managerial move to shield a key player from external pressure, allowing them to focus on their performance.
Ripples in the Lionesses Camp
The implications for the England national team, however, are far more complex. The rivalry between Earps and Hampton for the starting spot under Sarina Wiegman was already one of the most compelling subplots in the Lionesses’ setup. Bompastor’s firm stance adds an intriguing layer of club-versus-country tension, solidifying Hampton’s corner and giving her a confidence boost that could translate into a stronger challenge for the England gloves.
For Hannah Hampton, this backing will be invaluable. After a period of uncomfortable speculation, she now has the unwavering support of her club. It allows her to move forward, focus on cementing her place at Chelsea, and continue her push for the England top spot.
Ultimately, Bompastor has drawn a line in the sand. She has made it clear that Hannah Hampton is valued and protected at Chelsea. The drama off the pitch has set the stage for a fascinating battle on it, and the next chapter in the Earps-Hampton saga will be written in the penalty boxes of the WSL.
