There was plenty to discuss following the news that Erin Cuthbert has been appointed Chelsea club captain – and will be supported by Nathalie Bjorn and Lucy Bronze – and the UEFA Women's Champions League league phase draw.

During our European campaign, Bompastor will return to face her former side Lyon for the first time since leaving for Chelsea in 2024. But her priority is Aston Villa as our WSL campaign gets underway at our new home: Stamford Bridge.

Here's everything you need to know ahead of that clash.

On our new leadership group...

Bompastor: 'Erin was probably the most natural player to become the captain after Millie Bright, which is not an easy task because Millie did a fantastic job for the club.

'When you talk about the badge, Erin is so passionate. She loves the club. She's so committed to the project, and she leads by example. She works hard and she has the right mindset and mentality. So for me, it was always obvious Erin was the natural captain.

'But it's also important to have the right support around Erin. It's really difficult at a club like Chelsea to only have one person who leads everything. So we worked a lot in pre-season around the leadership group, but also the two vice-captains, Nat and Lucy.

'We are in a good place in terms of the way we want to set up the processes between the coach, the captains and the leadership group, and I think that's important.'

On drawing Lyon in the UWCL...

'To be honest, I'm really excited, and I'm not the only one. Some players in the squad also played for Lyon, so it will be good for many of us. They have a great stadium, and they are a really good club. I will probably have many friends and family coming to the game, so it will be a special one for me.

'The most important thing is to focus on the team; that's the reality. As much as I am excited to go back to Lyon, we need to focus on how we can go there and win the game.

On creating memories at Stamford Bridge

'The opportunity to start our season at Stamford Bridge is big and something we are all excited about. We can't wait to be in the game tomorrow, and hopefully we'll have a strong start and play a good game as well.

'Stamford Bridge is one of the best stadiums I've ever played in or managed in. We are really grateful to be able to do that for all the WSL games. We want to make sure we are a really difficult team to beat at home, and we want to create even more memories.

'It will be ideal if Stamford Bridge can become a fortress, so that’s what we are aiming for.'

On WSL competition...

'I think this league is already the most competitive in the world, and it's becoming stronger and stronger each season. Many teams are now investing in their women's team; I think that's good.

'I came into this league because I wanted to be challenged as a manager. The players also want to play in the best league. Every game is so difficult. The expectation this season is no different, but I think it will become even more difficult. I'm really excited for that.

'We want to embrace the challenge, and we know this season won't be easy for anyone, including us. We have enough quality in this squad, in this team, that if we have the right mentality, the right mindset, and we keep working hard as we did during pre-season, we can be ambitious.