Today (October 10) is World Mental Health Day and Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor used her pre-match press conference to discuss the importance of mental wellbeing and how players and staff are supported at Chelsea.

It’s an issue that feels important within the Chelsea group. Captain Millie Bright has spoken about her own mental health and is an ambassador for the YoungMinds charity. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton is another who has recently spoken out about the importance of checking in on other people.

Bompastor also took the opportunity to advocate for mental wellbeing as a key issue both in and out of football.

‘Mental health is crucial for everyone, not only in sport,’ said the head coach. ‘However, in sport, I think we can make a big difference in this way.

‘It’s important to have staff at Chelsea who always make sure the players have all the support they need in that respect. We always take care of that.’

The Chelsea boss has previously spoken about the importance she places on creating the right culture within her team.

An essential part of shaping that culture in the workplace is encouraging players to speak openly about how they feel.

‘As a manager, I always give my players the chance to talk about anything they want to,’ Bompastor explained. ‘The door is always open for them to come and to express how they feel, physically and mentally.

‘That’s not only about football, but also sometimes it’s about their personal lives, too.

‘We are part of a family, and it’s important for the players to understand they can always express themselves when they need to.’