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Bompastor withholds details on Green’s Chelsea departure

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has stated that she wishes for the details surrounding Paul Green’s departure as head of women’s football, after a 13-year tenure, to remain private.

Paul Green played a significant role in Chelsea's recruitment process during his tenure at the club.

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has chosen not to disclose the reasons behind Paul Green's sudden departure from the club after 13 years, citing a desire to maintain confidentiality.

Green stepped down as head of women's football on Monday evening, bringing an end to a period that saw the team achieve considerable success.

Throughout his time at Chelsea, the club won 19 trophies, including six consecutive Women's Super League titles, with the majority of these accomplishments occurring during his collaboration with former manager Emma Hayes.

When asked if fans deserved a more detailed explanation for Green's departure, Bompastor deflected the question, suggesting that other club officials might be better equipped to provide a response.

Bompastor acknowledged the significant contributions Green made to the club's success, stating that every player and staff member recognizes his impact and is grateful for his efforts.

According to Bompastor, Green laid the foundation for the club's success from the beginning and played a crucial role in its development, making his departure a significant loss.

As Chelsea prepares to face Liverpool on Sunday, the team finds itself in third place in the WSL, trailing leaders Manchester City by nine points.

Several players, including Erin Cuthbert and Millie Bright, took to social media to express their disappointment and sadness over Green's departure.

Striker Sam Kerr described Green's exit as a "big loss" for the club, while former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes praised him as "the absolute best in the business."

Bompastor noted that the news of Green's departure had a profound impact on the team, with everyone feeling sad and affected on a human level.

However, Bompastor emphasized the need to focus on the future and the upcoming game, as the team must learn to manage their emotions and concentrate on what they can control.

As professionals, the team must bounce back and prioritize their performance in the next game, according to Bompastor.

Last season, Sonia Bompastor led Chelsea to an unbeaten domestic treble, a notable achievement in her managerial career.

Former Manchester City striker Ellen White described Green as the "heartbeat" of Chelsea, highlighting his significant influence behind the scenes.

White credited Green with having a major impact on the club's recruitment, allowing them to stay ahead of their competitors and achieve a higher level of success.

Green's departure has sparked interest in the club's future, with White noting that he played a crucial role in building the foundation of Chelsea's success.

The circumstances surrounding Green's exit have raised questions about the involvement of co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley in the decision-making process for the women's team.

Bompastor recently signed a contract extension, committing to the club until 2030, a move that reflects her long-term commitment to Chelsea.

When asked about her level of autonomy at the club, Bompastor expressed satisfaction with the direction the club is heading.

As the manager, Bompastor's primary focus is on the team's performance on the pitch, ensuring they are well-prepared and have the necessary clarity to succeed.

Bompastor's main objective is to make the team as successful as possible, and she is dedicated to achieving this goal.

Despite some setbacks, Bompastor insisted that the club's processes are still functioning and that they are working to address any issues.

Following a 5-1 defeat to Manchester City, Bompastor expressed concerns about the team's recruitment during the summer transfer window, admitting that she had hoped for better results.

Chelsea did not make any signings in January, despite falling behind their WSL rivals, and had multiple bids for Paris St-Germain midfielder Jennifer Echegini rejected on deadline day.

A recent report suggested that some players have struggled with Bompastor's training methods, but she remains confident in her approach.

Bompastor acknowledged the external noise surrounding the team but emphasized that her players are committed to her and the club's goals.

She expressed confidence in her team, stating that they have the trust and belief necessary to achieve great things.

Bompastor guaranteed that her players are united and focused on the next game and the remainder of the season.

The past few weeks have been tumultuous for Chelsea, a team that was once a dominant force in the WSL.

The club has set high standards on the pitch, winning six consecutive titles, and has made significant signings in previous transfer windows to maintain its position.

However, Chelsea's rapid decline this season has been alarming, with the team's vulnerabilities now more apparent than ever.

Bompastor has faced scrutiny from fans and has been forced to address questions about her position, responding with defiance.

Just as the team was rebuilding after a victory over Tottenham, the surprise announcement of Green's departure threw the team's plans into disarray.

According to sources, the news of Green's exit came as a surprise to Bompastor and her players, with many left upset and confused by the decision.

Bompastor and Green appeared to have a strong working relationship, often discussing the team's performance after games, and shared a common vision for the club.

While Bompastor cannot publicly acknowledge the impact of Green's departure on her role, it is likely that his exit will affect her position as she loses a key ally in the boardroom.

The next few months will be crucial for Chelsea, with several senior players, including Sam Kerr, Millie Bright, Hannah Hampton, and Lucy Bronze, nearing the end of their contracts and a transition period on the horizon.

The club's structure is undergoing a significant shift, causing concern among fans, regardless of the team's performance on the pitch for the remainder of the season.

The Women's Football Weekly podcast, featuring Ben Haines, Ellen White, and Jen Beattie, will continue to provide analysis and discussion on the Women's Super League and beyond, with new episodes available every Tuesday on BBC Sounds.

For up-to-date information on the Women's Super League, visit our WSL page

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GB men’s curling team suffers upset defeat to Italy

At the 2026 Winter Olympics, Great Britain’s men’s curling team mounted a comeback against Italy following a disappointing beginning, ultimately falling short in their inaugural match.

Despite a valiant comeback, Team GB ultimately fell short as Italy held their composure to secure the win in the final end.

A dismal start to the match proved costly for Team GB's men, as they suffered their first defeat of the Winter Olympics at the hands of host nation Italy, despite a spirited fightback in the packed Cortina Curling Stadium.

Following victories in their first two matches, including a win over the Swedish rink that beat them in the gold-medal match four years ago, Team GB entered their second high-profile encounter in as many days in a confident position.

However, a disastrous opening end, in which Italy stole four points, left Team GB trailing and facing an uphill battle in front of a boisterous home crowd.

The British team, currently ranked number one in the world, gradually regained their footing and managed to level the score by the ninth end.

Ultimately, Italy maintained their composure in the final end to emerge victorious, winning 9-7 and adding Team GB to their list of scalps, which already included the Swedes.

"We had to dig deep and play some solid curling, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough to get us over the line," Team GB lead Hammy McMillan said in an interview with BBC Sport.

With seven wins from nine round-robin matches guaranteeing a spot in the semi-finals, Team GB remains in a strong position, although fewer wins may still be sufficient to advance.

The women's team is set to take to the ice next, facing South Korea in their second match at 13:05 GMT, while the men will return to action on Saturday against the Czech Republic at the same time.

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A daily guide to the Winter Olympics is available for those looking to stay up-to-date with the action.

The looks of shock on the faces of Team GB's curlers told the story of a disastrous opening end.

With a stone in play, Mouat attempted a risky shot in an effort to claim two points, but it backfired, resulting in none of Team GB's stones in the house and four Italian stones in position.

However, the Scottish quartet, ranked number one in the world, quickly regained their composure and got back to their game.

The teams exchanged singles before a impressive final throw by Mouat, aided by a measurement to determine which stone was closest to the button, allowed Team GB to claim two points and narrow the gap to 5-3.

Another excellent team effort, which included a well-judged throw by Mouat, a solid sweep by Hammy McMillan and Bobby Lammie, and Grant Hardie's strategic expertise, forced Italy to concede a point in the fourth end, reducing the deficit to a single point at the break.

Italy blanked the sixth end and added two points in the seventh to rebuild their lead, but Team GB fought back with two points of their own, remarkably levelling the score with one end remaining after a steal.

The match came down to the final end, but Italy held their nerve to secure the win, prompting a deafening roar from the crowd.

"It's an incredible experience, and we need to get used to it," McMillan added, describing the electric atmosphere as "surreal" and "cool," more akin to a football match than a typical curling crowd.

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Scotland Kicks Off Nations League Against Slovenia

Uefa has released the schedule for the Nations League, with Scotland set to begin their campaign on 26 September with an away match against Slovenia.

Uefa has released the schedule for the Nations League, with Scotland's campaign set to begin on 26 September with an away match against Slovenia.

The team's six group stage games will be played within a three-month period, culminating in a match against Switzerland on 16 November.

The fixture list was announced following Thursday's draw, which placed Scotland in a group with Switzerland, Slovenia, and North Macedonia.

Having been relegated from League A after a play-off loss to Greece last year, Scotland will compete in the second tier of the Nations League this year.

In response to the draw, head coach Steve Clarke noted that the teams in the group appear to be evenly matched.

Clarke reflected on the team's past experience in the competition, stating that it has been beneficial for Scotland.

He emphasized the importance of the Nations League, citing its role in helping the team qualify for Euro 2020, and anticipated a challenging set of matches.

A key matchup in the Nations League will see Scotland face off against Switzerland.

The group stage will determine the teams' fates, with the winner earning promotion, the runner-up entering a play-off, the third-placed team facing a relegation play-off, and the fourth-placed team being relegated directly.

The upcoming group games will mark a reunion for Scotland and Switzerland, who previously drew 1-1 in Cologne at Euro 2024.

Scotland's last encounter with Slovenia was during the 2018 World Cup qualification campaign, when they won 1-0 at home and drew 2-2 away.

The team has not played North Macedonia since the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, when they drew 1-1 at home and won 2-1 away, with goals from Ikechi Anya and Shaun Maloney.

The schedule for Scotland's Nations League campaign begins on 26 September with a match against Slovenia.

The team will then host Switzerland on 29 September, followed by a trip to face North Macedonia on 3 October.

Scotland will then play Slovenia at home on 6 October, before hosting North Macedonia on 11 November.

The final group stage match will see Scotland travel to face Switzerland on 16 November.

The team's home match against North Macedonia is set for 11 November.

The campaign will conclude with an away match against Switzerland on 16 November.

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Golfer McIlroy Sinks Bunker Shot at Pebble Beach Pro-Am

At the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in California, Rory McIlroy achieved an eagle on the 14th hole at Spyglass Hill, capping off his opening round with a score of 68.

During the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in California, Rory McIlroy achieved an eagle on the 14th hole at Spyglass Hill, contributing to his first-round score of 68.

For further information, Rory McIlroy had a solid opening round, while Hisatsune took the lead.

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