Unsurprisingly, when asked what her ambitions are for the second half of Chelsea Women’s season, Sandy Baltimore points to more trophies.
The Blues are a winning machine. It was no different in the French international’s first season at the club last year when they won the domestic trophy and went undefeated.
Baltimore had a hand in that, too. She was involved in all three goals as Chelsea beat Manchester United in the FA Cup final in May, scoring two goals and assisting the other.
The wing-back made his mark again this season, scoring a particularly wonderful goal against Brighton before the winter break, as Sonia Bompastor’s side finished on a high after a difficult spell – at least by their high standards.
When the VSL returns this weekend – with the Blues v West Ham, live Ski Sports – Chelsea will be looking to close the gap on Manchester City, who currently have a six-point lead at the top of the VSL table.
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Sandy Baltimore perfectly places one into the top right corner for Chelsea, putting them one up against Brighton
It’s an unfamiliar position for Baltimore and its teammates, but if anyone can turn around such a deficit, it’s the Blues – the streak winners.
“We’re all really looking forward to it,” the 25-year-old exclusively said Ski Sports at the launch of PUMA’s Oxford Street flagship store.
Sandy Baltimore was joined by Chelsea team-mate Maika Hamano – currently on loan at Spurs – at the PUMA store opening
“The ambition is clear: to remain competitive in every competition and to continue to progress as a team. We want to win trophies, but also to continue to develop our style of play and identity. The second half of the season will be very exciting.”
“Overall, I think it was a positive start to the season. We showed a lot of consistency, a clear identity in our game and a strong collective mentality.”
“There were some very good performances as well as some more challenging moments that helped us learn and grow. You can feel the group is improving and remains very ambitious for the rest of the season.”
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“On a personal level, it’s always nice to score and contribute, especially in an important game like Brighton.”
“But the main thing was the reaction of the team after the Everton defeat. We really wanted to respond with intensity, character and togetherness, and I think we did that. The win helped us regain confidence and momentum.”
In his 18 months at Chelsea, Baltimore has played in a number of positions on the left. Team rotation – crucial for any team competing on multiple fronts – contributed and allowed the Frenchwoman to develop her game.
“I feel very comfortable all over the left side,” she added. “I naturally enjoy attacking and expressing myself in the future, and that’s where I feel most effective.”
“But playing fullback on a regular basis really helped me improve defensively as well.”
“Today I feel comfortable as both a left-back and a left-midfielder, which allows me to adapt to different roles and bring balance to the team while still contributing offensively.”
PUMA has opened a new flagship store on Oxford Street
“But I always adapt to tactical changes. In a team like Chelsea, rotation is part of top football, you have to be ready to play different roles to help the team.
“And competition is part of it. I see it as a positive because it pushes everyone to do their best every day in practice and in games. The team atmosphere is really healthy and ultimately makes the team stronger.”
Chelsea will need all that strength until the end of the season as they look to regroup and get going again, as the famous phrase goes. You wouldn’t bet against them walking away again with the aforementioned silverware they covet.
Watch Chelsea Women vs West Ham Women live on Sky Sports Mix from 11am; start on Sunday at 12 noon.