The Blues have started the season flawlessly in terms of results, but Bompastor knows the season is long, and taxing months lie ahead. That is why our boss and her staff devote so much time and energy into managing the players’ mentality, to help ensure they can be at their best on the pitch.

‘For me, you have four elements in football to make sure your team performs: technique, tactics, physicality and mentality,’ Bompastor explained.

‘All of them are as important as each other. In terms of mentality, it’s really important my players are able to manage their emotions, frustrations, confidence, and being able to perform under pressure.

‘I spend a lot of energy taking care of that with my training environment, individually and collectively,’ added Bompastor.

‘I spend a lot of time talking to my players about leadership, management, and who is taking charge of what.

‘You need to have some experts in your staff who help you with that, because as a manager you have so much work to do, and you cannot take charge of everything. The mental side of the performance is really important in my eyes, and I need to make sure, with my staff, we get the right support for the players.’

Another important role for the coaching unit at Cobham is to communicate effectively with their counterparts in the various national teams the Chelsea players represent with such distinction. Many are away with their countries now, and Bompastor is hoping they return to Chelsea in good health, having had their workload sensibly managed.

Mayra Ramirez is one of those travelling far. The Colombian is preparing for two friendly matches away to Brazil, fresh off a bright start to the new campaign under Bompastor’s management. The head coach explained the role the attacker has fulfilled so far, which has seen her spend time moving out to the flanks.

‘Mayra is a player who really likes to help her teammates by making some runs,’ said Bompastor.

‘It’s difficult for her to be wide and in the box, so we need to make sure we have a good balance. Other players can maybe do that work to allow her to stay more central sometimes. It’s something really good for her to be able to do both.

‘There is still room for improvement with Mayra. This is something we have been talking about together. She knows exactly what we expect from her on the pitch. She is doing well, but she is maybe still not at her best level. She is still being impactful for the team, she is listening to us, and we are on the same page with her expectations.’

Some players are staying at Cobham during the international break because of injury. Bompastor reported she is hoping to have Niamh Charles available again at the ‘end of November, beginning of December’, while Catarina Macario should be back for the trip to Everton a week on Sunday. Sam Kerr’s return remains harder to call.

‘It’s difficult to give a date,’ said Bompastor.

‘Sam is doing good. Every player is different. At the moment she’s in a good position, but you never know what can happen during this long rehab, especially with these ACLs. It’s difficult for me to give a timeline.’