Katie Chapman: Chelsea must progress at the same rate as women's game to defend title



Katie Chapman insists Chelsea must improve their squad



KATIE CHAPMAN admits Chelsea must keep pace with the women’s game if they’re to defend their title next season.

 

The Blues secured a league and FA Cup double a year after suffering final day heartbreak when they handed the title to Liverpool.

The competition went down to the wire again this season with Chelsea needing a last day win over surprise package Sunderland to clinch their first ever league title ahead of Manchester City.

And Chapman insists, with the boom the women’s game has experienced, Chelsea must keep building – starting by refining their squad in the transfer market.

Manchester City are set invest heavily again to put more pressure on the Blues while Arsenal, Liverpool and Notts County are expected to be even stronger.

News News Blog Sport understands Chelsea are already pressing ahead with moves to bolster Emma Hayes’ side so they can stay ahead of the pack.

 



Hayes and Chapman celebrate the title after beating Sunderland 4-0



And they will be keen to get their business done quickly having witnessed first hand how a poor recruitment drive can leave a title defence in the balance – with the men’s side faltering this season.

“We have to build again, look at the squad, and build off this season,” said club captain Chapman.

“It will be a different season with clubs signing new players and it’s going to be tough, we know that, and Chelsea are going to be the team to beat because we did so well this season.

“We do need to bring other players in. We probably need a stronger bench than we had this year. We had a lot of youngsters this year and we need to strengthen in other areas making it more competitive for places.”

 



Chapman led Chelsea to the double this season



Despite the Blues’ double there was disappointment in Europe with a last 16 defeat to Wolfsburg.

But Chapman believes the experience will help the squad push even further next season.

“This year a lot of the girls hadn’t experienced Champions League,” she said. “And it is a big difference to the league, and going in at that stage was good to get experience and next year they’ll know how it feels and what it’s all about and hopefully we’ll improve on this year.

“I don’t actually think they (Wolfsburg) were better than us but they took their chances. It’s important in those games, because you don’t get many chances, to take them when you do and we missed quite a lot.” 

 

Claire Rafferty and Chapman lift the FA Cup at Wembley

And while the 33-year-old doesn’t think major changes are need, she knows the importance of staying one step ahead.

“We do need to strengthen the squad a bit more, but I don’t think there will be too many changes because I don’t think we need it but we do need to progress and move as football moves,” she said.

“The women’s game is moving forward and we’ve got to move with it.”