Sonia Bompastor says Paul Green’s Chelsea departure is “sad on a human level” but insists the infrastructure is in place for the club to achieve future success.
Chelsea parted company with head of women’s football Green on Monday, bringing an end to his 13 years at the club. The Athletic reported that the decision to let him go stunned and upset many players in the squad.
Green joined Chelsea in 2013 as part of former head coach Emma Hayes’ staff and was a key part of the club’s success as they established themselves as the dominant force in English women’s football and won eight Women’s Super League titles.
“We all know Paul has been a huge part of the foundations in this club,” head coach Bompastor told a press conference on Thursday. “I want to thank him on behalf of myself, the team, the players, the staff, for everything he has done for this club.
“He raised the foundations from the beginning and he’s been a huge part of the success this club had.”
Green spent 13 years at Chelsea (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Bompastor continued: “Everyone was sad because at a human level, I think it’s never a positive news to have someone leaving the building. But at the same time, we are human and we need to focus on what is coming next.”
Green steered Chelsea’s recruitment as part of his role but has had less autonomy over squad building since Hayes left in 2024.
Asked how Green’s departure would impact Chelsea’s summer transfer window, Bompastor replied: “As sad as it is, I think when you are in a club like Chelsea, the institution is always bigger than anyone, than any individual.
“This club will remain ambitious and will be in a good place to be successful in the present, but also in the future.”
Chelsea have fallen behind in the title race this season after registering successive league defeats to Arsenal and Manchester City. Bompastor’s side are nine points behind Manchester City with seven games remaining and are set to miss out on the WSL title for the first time since 2019.
Bompastor, who agreed a contract extension until 2030 last week, maintained her side are “100 per cent” behind her and they still “can achieve big things”.
Chelsea are next in action against Liverpool on Sunday.