Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor has called for focus as the Blues prepare to begin their UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) league phase campaign against Austria Wien on Wednesday.

European success remains one of Chelsea’s major ambitions. However, Bompastor was keen to balance those expectations with the immediate challenge facing her side as they return to action at Plough Lane.

Speaking ahead of the game, the Chelsea boss acknowledged the quality within her squad while stressing that the focus must remain on the task at hand.

“It’s really exciting to start tomorrow, and we are all ready,” Bompastor said. “I think we have the quality in the team, in the squad, to win this competition.”

However, she was careful to avoid looking too far ahead.

“The season will be long. We know we also have a really competitive league here in England.”

Keeping players fit and managing the squad through a demanding schedule will therefore be crucial. For now, Chelsea’s attention is firmly on beginning the league phase with a strong performance.

Chelsea enter Wednesday’s contest with considerably more experience at this level, with Austria Wien competing in the Champions League proper for the first time.