What it means for everyone else is a scary prospect – this is just the start of Chelsea under Bompastor.
It’s a new era, there are new ambitions and there is new investment at Chelsea.
Having smashed the world record transfer fee to sign USA defender Naomi Girma in January, she is likely to become a mainstay in the team next season after recovering from injury and returning to full fitness.
Ohanian’s investment could mean more spending in the summer, while Australia striker Sam Kerr is still to return following an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
They are still chasing an elusive maiden Champions League trophy – having been humbled by Barcelona in the semi-finals this season – and that is what is driving them. So are Chelsea only going to get better?
“I mean, that’s our ambition for sure. Maybe everyone is saying ‘Chelsea will run away from the pack in England’ but our goal is to compete against the best in Europe,” said Bompastor.
While Chelsea celebrated with their fans, FA Cup medals around their necks, Bompastor said some had pointed out the missing Champions League trophy.
“What sets them apart from everyone else is they don’t stand still. They always want to move forward,” said White.
“Everyone needs to look at their blueprint and be like ‘how can we reach what they are and bridge that gap?’ This team is phenomenal and they’re going places.”
Manchester United are one of those chasing.
Sunday’s result was proof there is still work to do and manager Skinner knows they cannot compete financially – but what else can they do?
“We have to maximise what we have got. We have to come back fitter, stronger, more aggressive and concentrate more,” he said.
“I still believe this – I think we have the best team spirit in the country. I think I have to go and find the other answers.
“We vastly and quite openly spend less than Chelsea. I won’t rest over the summer. I have to find a way to close that gap but we need investment as well.”
Skinner’s plea for more investment is supported by Bompastor, who said Chelsea will only improve on the European stage if they are pushed by others in England.
“If you have more competition you are able to perform better. This is what we want to be a better team,” she added.
“We want to be at the top of the league and bring everyone with us. We need the other teams to still invest and come with us.”
