When Chelsea face Women’s Super League leaders Manchester City on Sunday, their mission is clear – they must win.
Chelsea’s loss to Arsenal last weekend took a huge toll, and the next day Manchester City mustered the courage to score an 86th-minute winner at London City Lions.
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That opened up a nine-point gap between the two teams – unfamiliar territory for Chelsea, who usually lead rather than trail in second.
If Chelsea hope to extend their dominance to a seventh consecutive title, they will need to deliver a blow to City on Sunday and hope they drop points elsewhere.
Perhaps the coolest player in the Chelsea dressing room is England international Lucy Bronze, who has amassed a host of trophies.
She doesn’t give up and may even enjoy the chase.
“It’s exciting – there’s pressure on City to stay at the top,” Bronds told BBC Sport.
“Last year we were in a position where we had a big gap and had to stay ahead with other teams catching us. That made it fun and exciting.
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“If Manchester City lose the league now, it will be seen as a negative. If Chelsea can make up that gap, it will be a huge positive.”
“That mentality is easier to digest as a club. It would be great to get to the top. But you just have to accept it for what it is and enjoy it.”
“I have more confidence in myself”
A lot has changed for the Bronze since leaving Manchester City for a second time in 2022. She gained valuable experience at Barcelona and went on to win trophies.
The 34-year-old won two European Cups with England and a domestic treble with Chelsea in her debut season and remains a key player for club and country.
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“Gil Scott (former England midfielder) texted me a few months ago and asked how many trophies I had won since I was 30,” Bronze said.
“When I turned 30, I sent her a text and said ‘Ah, people say it’s all over’. Two European Cups were in my 30s and I won two Champions Leagues (with Barcelona).
“She said, ‘Yeah, you’re doing OK.'”
In recent years, Bronze has continued to develop his skills to stay at the top level and compete with competitors for starting spots.
Even with Barcelona’s Ona Butler and Fridolina Rolfo and now Chelsea’s Ellie Carpenter, Brown remains a key player.
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She became a starter for England under Sarina Wiegman and became a leader on and off the field for Chelsea.
“I’ve always been confident in my ability — I think I’ve found more confidence and been able to show it in a different way,” Bronz said.
“Leaving Manchester City and trying a new adventure at Barcelona, on paper people thought it wasn’t really my style. It’s tiki taka football.
“It makes sense for Keira Walsh to go there, but how do I fit in? I’ve found a way to give my best in the most important games at Barcelona.
“I’ve learned how to adapt. I’m not the same player I was when I was 28. I’m different but still at the highest level.”
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“As players, we can push ourselves even more”
Bronze’s progress isn’t just reflected on the court.
She is a player representative for players’ union FifPro and a board member of the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), advocating for positive change in football.
She has also raised awareness of autism and ADHD diagnoses and has become a powerful voice for England in global discussions.
“As you get older you see younger players be a little scared to say something or do something, and I just knew it had to be me,” Bronze said.
“I’m more at the forefront now because there’s a lot of younger generation at Chelsea and in the England team. It puts a lot of responsibility on my shoulders.
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“When something needs to be done, people say ‘just ask Lucy’ and I can’t say no.”
Bronds has no intention of retiring any time soon – something she reiterated when asked about her Chelsea contract expiring this summer.
But when the time comes, Bronze hopes to advocate for change in the game and share her experiences to help others.
“The first thing is to connect with the players and tell them it’s their responsibility to be their best and work their hardest,” Bronz said.
“Sometimes we say, ‘We need more facilities, more media, more stuff’. We do need that. But, as players, we can push ourselves to be better.
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“Get a chef, eat healthy, have the right stuff at home and do whatever it takes so you can be the best player you can be and make women’s football a better product.
“Every week, every game is difficult for your club and for England. It’s not just about performances. You have to do extra things and it’s a learning process.
“You see the people who get to the top and hold on the longest because they’re the ones who figure it out first.”