Keira Walsh remains hopeful for a “special” season for Chelsea.

Hope shines brightly at Stamford Bridge, and Keira Walsh, the talented midfielder for the England national team, is determined to turn Chelsea’s season into something truly special. With her sights set on the upcoming Subway Women’s League Cup final, Walsh is clear that there is still much at stake for the Blues. Next Sunday, Chelsea will face Manchester United at the iconic Ashton Gate in Bristol, a reunion that promises to be as thrilling as last season’s Women’s FA Cup final.

Despite a season start marked by disappointing results in the Women’s Super League, where they currently sit in third place, nine points behind leaders Manchester City, hope remains. Walsh emphasizes that, even in the face of challenges, Chelsea still harbors aspirations for three trophies this campaign. “It’s very difficult to win the league every year consecutively,” she told BBC Sport. “It’s almost unheard of, and that’s what makes Chelsea special. We still have the Subway Women’s Cup, the FA Cup, and the Champions League. If we win all three, it will be a special season.”

Walsh’s words resonate with the confidence that permeates the Chelsea locker room, and not just because of her. Young Alyssa Thompson, her teammate, also shares this winning mentality. “Winning at Chelsea is written in our DNA,” Thompson states. “That’s why people come here and one of the reasons I came. It’s a huge part of our culture. When you put on the Chelsea shirt, you know what you have to bring. No one told me that, but I feel it from the team. It’s something unspoken in the locker room.”

However, the pressure of representing a club of such prestige can be overwhelming. Thompson, just 21 years old, admits that she felt butterflies upon arrival. “I had low expectations of myself because I was scared to be in England, away from everyone I knew. I didn’t know if people would like me. It was daunting because of the caliber of the Chelsea players.” However, that anxiety quickly turns into excitement, especially with a final on the horizon. “I’m so excited. I’ve never won a senior trophy!”

With Walsh’s determination and Thompson’s ambition, Chelsea is ready to face the challenges ahead. The club’s history is filled with achievements, and this could be another memorable chapter. As the final approaches, the eyes of fans and critics will be fixed on Stamford Bridge, waiting to see if the Blues can turn hope into glory.