UPDATE: Matildas star Ellie Carpenter is embracing her new challenge at Chelsea, affirming that her recent move from OL Lyon was the right decision for her career. With eyes set on glory at the upcoming Asian Cup next year, Carpenter is ready to fight for her place in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.
The 25-year-old defender, who joined Chelsea in July on a four-year deal, has already appeared in five games this season. She believes that the intensity of the Super League is propelling her game to new heights. “For me, the move to Chelsea was the best thing for my football career at this time,” Carpenter stated. “Every game is hard, and the training environment is intense. It’s a great challenge for me.”
Carpenter made headlines during her five years at Lyon, becoming the first Australian to win a Women’s Champions League medal and securing league titles in four seasons. Now, she is determined to carve out her role at Chelsea, where she has reunited with Blues boss Sonia Bompastor, who coached her to a second Champions League trophy in 2022.
“Being under Sonia again is nice,” Carpenter noted. “I wanted to be out of my comfort zone again.”
As the Matildas prepare for a crucial friendly against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, Carpenter is joined by teammate Sam Kerr, making her long-awaited return after a knee reconstruction. The team will face European champions England in Derby just four days later, making this an urgent moment for Australian women’s football.
With 13 capped Matildas currently playing in the Super League, Carpenter believes familiarity with their opponents will play to Australia’s advantage. “We know their game. We train with them every day,” she said, highlighting the competitive spirit shared among teammates and rivals alike. “It’s great that a majority of us are playing in top leagues in Europe.”
As the Matildas gear up for these pivotal matches, Carpenter’s transition to Chelsea symbolizes a bold move towards greater challenges and opportunities in her career. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this dynamic squad performs on the international stage.
