In the first episode of our newly-launched podcast 'We Ae Chelsea', Erin Cuthbert and Guro Reiten sit down to discuss their journeys to – and experiences at – the club, the evolving challenges in the women's game, and their hopes for the rest of the Blues' season.
We Are Chelsea will provide supporters with exclusive behind-the-scenes access and insight in the months ahead from inside the dressing room of the current Women's Super League champions.
Players will share their stories and discuss Chelsea's quest to claim a historic quadruple under Emma Hayes this season, but will also reflect on their experiences in the women's game in addition to their favourite memories as a blue.
Cuthbert and Reiten star in the first episode that has been released ahead of tomorrow's top-of-the-table Women's Super League against Arsenal Stamford Bridge, which will see more than 30,000 fans in attendance.
The Scotland and Norway internationals recall their first impressions of each other, their friendship on and off the pitch, the expectations of playing for Chelsea, and answer questions from the supporters.
Cuthbert also speaks candidly about balancing the growing demands on women's players as world-class athletes and the accessibility of the women's game that fans have come to expect.
She explains: 'With the game growing at the speed it is, maybe we can’t keep up the same level of signings and photographs that we do. We need to eat a certain amount of time straight after the game, we have games in quick succession, and we need to recover quicker.
'As long as they know we still appreciate them (the fans) and we still want them to keep turning up and we want to give them a product on the pitch that they deserve and what they deserve to see.'
Reiten highlights that mutual appreciation between players and supporters is manifested on the pitch – and something that will be reflected tomorrow evening against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.
'They create the atmosphere and when you’re playing they give you that extra energy on the pitch to run that extra metre. Our fans are so loyal and they travel everywhere. We love them.
'I love being in the tunnel, walking out, and hearing the fans. It's the best feeling and hard to describe. It's that adrenaline and part of the game that when you retire you miss the most.'
Coming soon on We Are Chelsea, Blues captain Millie Bright will look back on her journey to Chelsea and the changes she has seen in the women's game. Players from the squad will also reflect on their most memorable moments for the club and much more.
We Are Chelsea is distributed across Apple, Spotify or wherever fans choose to get their podcasts, in addition to being published across the Official Chelsea website, the Official Chelsea App, and Chelsea's YouTube channel.