Chelsea will commence their UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign on Tuesday as they welcome Real Madrid to Stamford Bridge for what is set to be a thrilling encounter. Lining up with the away side in SW6 for the first time will be Melanie Leupolz, with the German midfielder having penned a deal with las Blancas over the summer.
The 30-year-old joined Alberto Toril for the club’s pre-match press conference on Monday, revealing her excitement at returning to London and facing the very club she represented for four years.
What did Melanie Leupolz say?
“I played at Chelsea for four years,” Leupolz reminded reporters, “and so coming back is really special.”
Much has changed since she left just a few months ago. Emma Hayes has stepped away, Sonia Bompastor has taken the reigns and now the former French international has the Blues firing on all cylinders in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
“They’ve made some really good signings in the summer,” the midfielder noted, “including Lucy Bronze, who’ll bring a lot of experience. But we’ve got an incredible squad too, with a lot of talent and young players.”
Embed from Getty Images“It’s really special coming back to Stamford Bridge,” Leupolz revealed. There’ll be no time for sentiment on Tuesday though, with the German international insisting that Real Madrid have “big ambitions this year” and head into the tournament “with real enthusiasm.”
“With my experience, I hope to do my bit for the team and contribute to the successes we want to achieve.”
Real Madrid “is the best team in the world, so I feel proud to wear this shirt,” she added.
“I don’t see it as pressure – for me, it’s more of a privilege.”
