Chelsea are the first Women’s Super League side to have played in New Zealand and there are many positives for our head coach to take from the long trip.

For those who are thinking of coming to watch the team at Eden Park on Saturday, it’s looking like Chelsea will be out to impress the crowd, as Bompastor confirmed the team will be looking to show our best qualities.

‘I think pre-season is really important in terms of bringing the team together,’ she said in her pre-match press conference. ‘It’s the right moment for us to work on the cohesion and the dynamic within the team.

‘We have brought some really talented players into the squad. Being together on a tour like this, spending full days together, helps a lot with building the chemistry.

‘We are still in pre-season, and this will be only our second friendly game, but we are building up our physicality and we also came here to work on the tactical aspects.

‘We want to put our best performance on the pitch on Saturday. We have high standards and high ambitions, so we want to be the best version of ourselves and make sure we also respect the fans and the opposition by playing at our best level.

‘I have some information about the opponents, but most of the time, I prefer to focus on my team. When we play in league games or Champions League games, it’s obviously important to know what the opposition is going to do.

‘But being in pre-season, the focus is really on my team. We will prepare for the game in the best way possible and give the players the information they need in order for them to be ready.’

Bompastor understands that playing at the highest level in the women’s game comes with a certain set of responsibilities - to help to grow the game on the global stage and to provide young people with elite female role models when they have traditionally been scarce.

‘It’s so important for the Chelsea players to be able to travel all around the world and to inspire the young kids - boys and girls,’ she continued.

‘Giving people the opportunity to see the best players in the world is always the best inspiration you can give to them. We’ll try to perform at our best on the pitch to inspire them, and also after the game we want to share some really good moments.

‘A few years ago it was really difficult for young girls to have idols. Now it's becoming more and more common, and I think that's really important for us to be part of that, making sure we help the women's game to grow. It’s part of our job.’

Travelling to the other side of the world offers a rare opportunity for Chelsea players and staff to experience a diverse way of life thousands of miles from home.

Bompastor spoke of juggling being a mum to four children alongside her role as an elite head coach. She gave thanks to the club for making it possible to bring her family along on the trip, which has allowed them to experience cultural treasures at a young age.

‘I don't know if we realise enough, but we feel really lucky and honoured to be in this country, and to be able to bring a Chelsea team here,’ said Bompastor.

‘I think it’s the first time a Chelsea team has come to New Zealand, so we feel really excited for that, and we are really honoured to be here and to play a great game tomorrow with a lot of fans in the stadium.

‘It’s also a chance for the players to show their quality on the pitch and to enjoy some really good and fun times with the fans as well.

‘Giving the opportunity to my kids to understand more about the culture of this country, opening their minds up, I think it's probably the best thing I can offer to them. They went to the aquarium and to the zoo, and they loved it.

‘Being able also to travel with Chelsea and having my kids around, it's a big chance for women. You know, it's sometimes difficult to find the right balance between having a professional job where you have a lot of responsibilities, but also being a mum of four kids, and I'm lucky enough to have a club that supports me in that.’