USWNT star Alyssa Thompson praises Chelsea for helping game but admits pressure is on for League Cup final

"Chelsea wins a lot of trophies and we're expected to. So this [League Cup] is just another trophy that we're expected to win. I feel like in everything we do and all the cups that we're in, we need to win so we're just continuing that mentality and knowing that that's a staple for Chelsea and taking that into the game."

"I think winning this cup would be really special. And also for our run and Champions League, I think it will just give everyone a lot of confidence, give our team a lot of confidence. And I feel like we need that right now."

"The Blues faced their first back-to-back losses since 2018 after losing 2-0 to Arsenal followed by a 5-1 humbling by Manchester City in the league. The results could leave the reigning six-time WSL winners outside of European qualification for the first time in over five years."

Alyssa Thompson, USWNT forward at Chelsea, credits the club for developing her game since joining in September. Chelsea, the WSL reigning champions, face Manchester United in the League Cup final on Sunday in Bristol. After winning the domestic treble last season, Chelsea has experienced an uncharacteristic dip in form, including back-to-back losses to Arsenal and Manchester City. This has created pressure as the club is expected to win trophies. Thompson emphasizes that winning the League Cup would provide confidence for the team's Champions League campaign. Chelsea remains in contention for four trophies but risks losing their six-year WSL title reign and European qualification.

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