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    Laura Coombs signs new Manchester City contract as club rues exit of Mewis, Lavelle and Campbell

    LAURA COOMBS pledged her immediate future to Manchester City by signing a two-year contract extension with the club.The inner workings of the contract have not been revealed but the 30-year-old veteran will remain with WSL giants until 2023.
    Coombs has pledged her immediate future to Man City with a two-year contract extension
    The midfield ace, 30, joined City from Liverpool in 2019.
    And the former Arsenal player, who made 13 WSL appearances this term, says extending her Academy Stadium stay was an ‘easy choice’.
    Coombs told Man City’s website: “It feels great to have signed a new contract – it was an easy choice for me to make.
    “I feel settled and happy, both on and off the pitch, so it was a natural decision for me to stay.”
    After a difficult first season with Gareth Taylor’s side, Coombs revealed she has now found her feet and wants to help the team grow over the next couple of years.
    The former Reds ace added: “In my first season, I felt as though it was a bit of an adjustment period for me.
    “But this past year, I think I’ve shown what I can bring to the team, both technically and tactically.
    “And doing that within such a high-quality squad has been amazing.
    “Moving forward though, I’m determined to keep on developing and improving to help the team.”
    Coombs, 30, says her decision to extend her Man City career was an “easy choice” for her to makeCredit: Getty

    Taylor was as equally ecstatic about Coombs’ stay and keen to nurture the WSL star’s progress on the pitch.
    The City boss said: “She’s a great person to work with, she’s very coachable, always wants to improve.
    “And I’m really looking forward to continuing that over the coming seasons.”
    Coombs, born in Gravesend, Kent, made her senior professional debut in 2007 at Arsenal at 16 before moving to Chelsea in 2011.
    The WSL ace made 52 appearances across all competitions for the Blues before switching to Liverpool in 2017
    And the midfielder played 44 times for the Reds, winning two Women’s Super League titles before her move to the Citizens in 2019.
    Coombs’ new deal will be welcomed by Man City Women’s fans following a mini-exodus from the club in the past few days.
    First, Megan Campbell announced she was leaving in search of a “new challenge” following her injury problems.
    Coombs made 18 WSL and Champions League appearances for Man City this termCredit: Getty
    And then USA pair Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle confirmed their departures to resume playing their playing careers in America’s National Women’s Soccer League.
    Lavelle, who made 20 WSL and Champions League appearances for City will be moving to OL Reign.
    The USA forward had her playing rights traded to OL Reign by her old club Washington Spirit for £71,000.
    And Lavelle’s international buddy Mewis will rejoin North Carolina Courage.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    USA star Sam Mewis is among a trio of players who left have Man CityCredit: PA
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    Kirk expects Everton to face Chelsea backlash in FA Cup after Champions League final loss

    WILLIE KIRK expects Everton will feel Chelsea’s wrath when they meet in the fifth round of the Women’s FA Cup.The Toffees boss reckons Emma Hayes’ side will come into the game wanting to avenge their brutal 4-0 loss to Barcelona in their first-ever Champions League final.
    Kirk reckons Chelsea will come at Everton with their full mightCredit: Reuters
    But the 42-year-old plans to halt the Blues by starting the game on the right foot to make them uncomfortable.
    The clash on May 20 will be the final game of the season for the Women’s Super League rivals.
    Kirk said: “They will come at us with a full-strength squad and the players will feel as though they have to do something after the other night.
    “We have to start brightly, get on top of them and make them feel uncomfortable.”
    The Toffees beat Chelsea 2-1 when they met in the quarter-finals of the 2020 contest in September of that year
    And Kirk intends to use that victory to inspire his team to inflict another defeat on the WSL champions.
    The Edinburgh-born manager added: “We will take inspiration from the game against Chelsea at Goodison.
    “That day we beat them, but we felt like there was so much more to come from this group.
    Everton are aiming to reach the Women’s FA Cup finals for a second successive yearCredit: Rex
    The Toffees reached the 2020 finals of the competition where they were beaten by Manchester CityCredit: Alamy

    “Seven or eight months on and we’re ready to go again.”
    Chelsea go into the game with a domestic treble in their sights after already lifting the Women’s Super League and League Cup trophies this season.
    Their hopes of a quadruple were blown out of the water by a ruthless Barcelona.
    The Catalan outfit had won all 26 LaLiga Women’s games they played this term ahead of their Champions League duel with the Blues.
    But despite their heavy drubbing in the final, Hayes and her players are already looking towards the future
    And they vowed to return to the contest even stronger next term.
    That is the promise the Blues boss and her team gave to club owner Roman Abramovich, who was present to see their performance in Gothenburg.
    Emma Hayes and her team are looking to win the treble this year after claiming the Conti Cup and WSL crownCredit: Getty
    Hayes said: “Our owner came in to see us. All the girls were very quick to tell him we’ll be back here (in the Champions League final)
    “We’ll work hard on the training pitch to make sure we do that.
    “If I know this group well enough, I know they mean these words.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Chelsea will compete in the Women’s FA Cup quarter-finals in September if they defeat Everton in the fifth roundCredit: PA
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    Paul Konchesky eager to help West Ham Women improve after becoming assistant manager

    PAUL KONCHESKY will join Olli Harder in West Ham Women’s dugout with the club confirming his appointment as a new number two to the Irons gaffer. The former Hammers and Charlton Athletic star says his decision to take on the role permanently was a ‘no brainer’
    Paul Konchesky will work as Olli Harder’s permanent assistant at West Ham Women from next season
    Konchesky made 59 top flight appearances for West HamCredit: PA:Press Association
    West Ham says Konchesky – who made 59 Prem appearances for the Irons during a two-year spell – began assisting Harder with the women’s team in January. 
    The former Fulham and Liverpool left-back has been juggling his role for the New Zealand-born coach with a job within the Academy of  West Ham’s Prem side.
    And Konchesky – who runs a pie and mash shop in Brentwood, Essex – says he is relishing the chance to help the Hammers progress in the top tier next season.  
    The club, who finished ninth, won their fight to avoid a drop into the Women’s Championship following their struggles this term.  
    Konchesky told the club’s web site: “It’s been different for me because I’ve been helping Olli out over the last five months since his arrival. 
    “I’ve had the chance to get to know the environment and how everything works, and I’ve really enjoyed it.
    “When the opportunity came through from Olli to be his assistant manager, it was a no-brainer for me to work in a top league with some great players in a first-team environment.
    “This is a new and exciting opportunity for myself, and I’m really excited to get going.”
    Harder added: “I’m delighted to have Konch in the building with us. 
    “He’s been a fantastic asset for us since I arrived in January, which is why I’m so pleased that he’s been able to move across and work within the women’s team on a more permanent basis. 
    “The players have loved working with him this season and his knowledge and experience will be a huge help moving forward.”
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    Konchesky has worked as an Under-15s boys coach for the Irons

    Prior to coaching, Konchesky enjoyed a 21-year playing career representing 12 clubs, including the Irons, Fulham, Liverpool and Leicester City. 
    The retired Barking-born defender made 359 Premier League appearances for seven different clubs between 1997 and 2015 netting 13 goals. 
    Konchesky initially began his career as a schoolboy at Sunday League side Senrab FC.
    He then joined Charlton in 1997 as the team’s youngest ever player at 16, before a Tottenham loan spell in 2003 and then a £1.5million move to the Hammers in 2005.
    And the boyhood Irons fan scored for West Ham in their 2006 FA Cup finals against Liverpool with the Reds winning 3-1 on penalties after a 3-3 finish in normal time. 
    Konchesky has been working as a West Ham academy coach since 2017.
    Konchesky aims to help West Ham finish higher than ninth in the WSL next termCredit: Getty
    The ex-England full-back has overseen training of the Irons Under-15s as well as the player loans department of the Prem side who play West Brom next. 
    And the former Billericay Town assistant manager revealed he has been advising Harder on West Ham Women’s defence work. 
    Konchesky added: “When Olli first arrived, he spoke to academy manager Ricky Martin about bringing me on board.
    “Olli came to West Ham on his own and wanted to add to his coaching team, and he said that there would be no better person to give some advice to his defenders. 
    “The last seven or eight games have been great, and we’ve seen the results of what we’ve been practising out on the training pitch.”
    West Ham won their fight for WSL survival after securing three draws and one win from their last six WSL gamesCredit: PA
    The Irons finished two places above the drop zone in the 2020-21 Women’s Super League seasonCredit: Rex
    “I still love being out there day today, I’ve really enjoyed getting involved in the sessions. 
    “It makes things easier because I can get hands on and help the players with extra sessions and can actually show them things rather than just telling them. 
    “It’s going to be a busy summer and we can’t wait to get going next season. 
    It all starts with a lot of hard work in pre-season and then making sure that we start the league campaign well and improve on where we finished this time around.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Konchesky says West Ham will be working hard in pre-season as they look to improve in the WSLCredit: Zuma Press
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    Campbell leaves Man City for a ‘new challenge’ following injury with Mewis and Lavelle set for USA return

    MEGAN CAMPBELL has revealed she will leave Manchester City when her contract expires in June.The news comes as USA stars Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle confirmed their return the National Women’s Soccer League in America.
    Campbell has announced her departure from Manchester City after a five-year spell at the clubCredit: Getty
    Campbell, 27, decided to call time on her City career after being sidelined for most of the season due to a foot injury.
    And the left-back revealed it will be hard to leave the club she has been with since 2016, but that she was looking forward to a new challenge.
    Speaking to Man City’s website, Campbell said: “Leaving will be hard as Manchester has been my home for so many years.
    “It will be very different and take some adjustment, but I am excited for a new challenge and I am looking forward to seeing what that brings.
    “Thank you to all our fans for their non-stop support through it all – Manchester City will always hold a massive place in my heart.”
    The Republic of Ireland international’s injury meant she did not get the chance to play under City’s boss Gareth Taylor.
    But the defender, who made 45 appearances for the Manchester giants, thanked Taylor for the chance to work with him throughout this term.
    The former Raheny United player underwent surgery on a tendon in her right foot in February following damage sustained during City’s 4-1 against Tottenham in January.
    Campbell added: “Due to injury, I, unfortunately, didn’t get to play under Gareth but would like to thank him for the last year and the opportunity to work with him.”
    Republic of Ireland international Campbell has battled with a foot injury at Man City this seasonCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription

    Taylor, 48, was complimentary of Campbell’s contribution to City’s campaign despite her season be derailed by the problem with her foot.
    And the Academy stadium boss said he was pleased to have worked with the ex-Raheny United player during his tenure.
    Taylor said: “Unfortunately, due to circumstances outside of both our control, I haven’t been able to work with Megan on the pitch as much as I would have liked to.
    “She’s been a pleasure to have in the squad however and leaves Manchester City having made her mark on the club.
    “Playing her part in a number of the team’s successes, and we wish her nothing but the best in her future career, wherever that takes her.”
    Campbell sealed a 2016 switch to Man City under former gaffer Nick Cushing after a two-year spell with US college team Florida State Seminoles from 2013 to 2015
    Taylor said he was pleased to have Megan Campbell as part of his squad during his first season in chargeCredit: Getty
    And the left-back’s trophy successes include a 2016 domestic treble with Cushing’s side winning the Women’s FA Cup, the Conti Cup and a WSL title.
    Campbell later picked up two more FA Cups and League Cup during five year career at the club making 45 appearances.
    On her trophy wins, Campbell added: “I’ve played in Wembley in front of thousands of fans when winning the FA Cup Final, have won a league title in our home stadium and many more trophies that I’m so grateful for.”
    Campbell joins US pair Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle who are reportedly headed back to their native country this summer.
    The USA aces are returning to America for a week-long break before joining NWSL clubs after the expiry of their short-term deals with City.

    Lavelle, who made 20 WSL and Champions League appearances for City will be moving to OL Reign.
    The USA forward had her playing rights traded to OL Reign by her old club Washington Spirit for £71,000.
    And Lavelle’s international team-mate Mewis will rejoin North Carolina Courage.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Rose Lavelle will join NWSL giants OL Reign after her rights were traded by Washington SpiritCredit: Rex
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    Stoney pays tribute to Man United fans and players while Siggsworth is linked with Leicester City move

    CASEY STONEY paid a heartfelt tribute to Red Devils followers a day after Leicester City knocked her former side out of the Women’s FA Cup.  And the Foxes have been heavily linked with a summer swoop for Man United forward Jess Siggsworth, according to The Athletic.
    Casey Stoney says it has been “a privilege” to lead Man United WomenCredit: Rex
    Jess Siggsworth has been linked with a move from Man United to Leicester City WomenCredit: Getty
    This month Stoney, 39, announced her Red Devils departure after a three-year spell in charge of the club leading them to promotion from the Women’s Championship to the WSL.
    And she took charge of her last game as Man United boss overseeing the team’s FA Cup clash with WSL newbies Leicester City. 
    But the team suffered a surprise 3-2 loss to Jonathan Morgan’s aces who progressed to the contest’s quarter-finals to be played in September. 
    In a post shared with her 98,000 followers on Twitter Stoney wrote: “There are not enough words or actions that can do justice to how grateful and thankful I am to my players, my staff and the fans. 
    “It has been an honour and a privilege to lead this group of incredible people. 
    “They inspired me every day to work harder to be a better manager and a better person. 
    “I have memories that I will take with me forever!! They will always have a special place in my heart.
    “I would like to thank my family who have been by my side through everything. 
    “We have shared and celebrated the good moments together and they have given me strength and purpose in the tough moments. Thank you for standing with me always.”
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    Jess Siggsworth, 26, could also be set for a United departure with The Athletic reporting the forward could be on her way to Leicester City. 
    The former Doncaster Rovers Belles’ ace – who moved to United after a two-year spell with the Belles from 2016 to 2018 – is thought to be in advanced talks with the Foxes. 
    And it is reported the forward, who made 14 WSL appearances netting three league goals this term, is also a target for Tottenham. 
    Meanwhile, Siggsworth’s team-mate Lauren James has also been linked with a United exit amid reports of interest from Chelsea.  
    And The Athletic claims Red Devils players expect American superstars Tobin Heath and Christen Press to return to the USA. 
    The speculation follows a dramatic week for United amid reports of coaching staff’s concerns over training provisions for the women’s team and budgets for players and staff. 
    Leicester will compete in the Women’s FA Cup quarter finals in SeptemberCredit: Zuma Press
    This month The Telegraph revealed the ex-Red Devils boss had been dissatisfied with the training conditions for her players. 
    Training had been moved from the team’s Leigh Sports Village base to Carrington amid worries over injuries that have hindered the club. 
    And United saw their push for Champions League qualification derailed by injuries to several key players.
    Players included Alessia Russo and Tobin Heath as well as Leah Galton who made a return towards the closing stages of the WSL season.
    Man United director John Murtough says the club “is completely committed to its women’s team and to building on the legacy of Casey’s achievements”.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Shannon O’Brien was on target for Leicester City in their 3-2 Women’s FA Cup fifth round win against UnitedCredit: Rex
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    Chelsea boss Hayes promises Blues bounceback from heavy Champions League final loss to Barcelona

    EMMA HAYES paid a touching tribute to Chelsea fans and vowed her beaten Blues will bounce back from Champions League heartbreak.And the Kingsmeadow boss described her team’s loss to Barcelona as another step in their journey after revealing her players’ post-match chat with club owner Roman Abramovich. 
    Emma Hayes says Chelsea will work hard on the training pitch after losing their first Champions League final clashCredit: Getty
    Barcelona Women won their first Women’s Champions League trophy after losing 4-1 to Lyon in the 2019 finalCredit: AFP
    Chelsea succumbed to a 4-0 defeat to Spain’s title winners in their first final in Europe’s elite club contest.
    And Hayes believes the performance of her side – who face Everton in the Women’s FA Cup – did not reflect the physical edge  of the WSL.
    Hayes said: “I think the physicality in our league that we have, we didn’t show that. So we’re disappointed. 
    “The realities are, if you don’t dominate enough of the first and second balls in any football match,  you don’t deserve to win it, and I don’t think we did that.
    “I think that’s what our dressing is most upset about. 
    “We’re a classy team and we behave I think as you should do when you’ve been beaten by a better team and that’s one that acknowledges what we need to do to improve. 
    “Our owner came in to see us. All the girls were very quick to tell him we’ll be back here and we’ll work hard on the training pitch to make sure we do that. 
    “If I know this group well enough I know they mean these words. 
    “And this is just another step in our journey, because – we talk about the disappointment – but we’re the second best team in Europe.”
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    Chelsea will face Everton in the Women’s FA Cup fifth round in their final game of the seasonCredit: PA
    Hayes’ players told Blues owner Roman Abramovich they plan to reach another Champions League finalCredit: AP

    Barcelona made history by being crowned as Spain’s first Women’s Champions League winners two years on from a 4-1 finals drubbing they endured against Lyon. 
    And the club’s victory entailed some standout displays including impressive wing play by Caroline Graham Hansen and Lieke Martens. 
    We wanted to be European champions and now we can say that we areLluis Cortes
    The result was the highlight of an outstanding season for the Lluis Cortes’s Catalan side who retained their LaLiga Women’s Crown
    And the Blaugranes did so after winning all 26 games they have played in Spain’s top tier with a match against ninth-placed Athletic up next.
    Lieke Martens and her Barca team-mates have won the LaLiga Women’s title as well as the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty

    Asisat Oshoala and her Barca team-mates will play Athletic in Spain’s top tier nextCredit: Getty
    Barca boss Cortes said: “It’s incredible, in Budapest last time (when we lost 4-1 to Lyon) we were like Chelsea were. 
    “There has been a lot of work since that day. That day we promised ourselves we would work a lot to be European champions. 
    “Behind us, there are many, many people and everyone has worked really hard for this goal. 
    “We wanted to be European champions and now we can say that we are.”
    Lluis Cortes says Barca have been working hard to achieve their first major trophy win in Europe.Credit: Getty
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    Chelsea 0 Barcelona 4: Blues’ Champions League dream crumbles as Catalans smash FOUR in blistering first-half display

    CAROLINE GRAHAM HANSEN helped brilliant Barcelona tear Chelsea to shreds consigning the Blues to European heartbreak in a four-goal blitz.A Hansen tap-in was among the efforts that saw Emma Hayes’ aces trounced 4-0 with Spain’s football queens winning their first Champions League trophy.
    Barcelona romped past Chelsea with a stunning first-half displayCredit: Getty
    The Catalans celebrated their first-ever Women’s Champions League titleCredit: Getty
    And it was the biggest winning margin for a side in the history of the contest.
    The Gamla Ullevi Stadium, the home of Sweden women’s national side, played host to the duel between the top dogs of the game in England and Spain.
    And it was fitting that the venue, just a stone’s throw from where Pele propelled Brazil to a famous 1958 World Cup quarter-final win, served as the backdrop for the four-goal thriller.
    For the first time in seven years the final for the elite prize of women’s European club football did not feature the tournament’s record winners, Lyon.
    Instead, all eyes were on two juggernauts seeking to become the new dominant club football force in Europe.
    And it was Barca who came out on top brushing their opponents aside with a devastating attacking display.
    Coming into this game, Lluis Cortes’ players had won ALL 26 matches they have played in Spain’s top-flight, scoring a mammoth 128 goals.
    And within a minute the team that dispatched Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain took the fight to the WSL champs.
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    What a start from Barcelona! 😲A rocket of a shot from Lieke Martens 💥Rattles the bar!Then the clearance hits Leupolz and loops over and into the back of the net 😖#UWCLfinal Live on Youtube & BT Sport 2 HD 💻/📺 pic.twitter.com/qchG8a5mJ5— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 16, 2021

    It took just 33 seconds for the LaLiga giants to get on the scoresheet stunning their rivals in the process.
    The Catalan team hit the crossbar with a ferocious drive off the edge of the box which found its way into the back of the net after rebounding off Melanie Leupolz.
    The Blues – shocked by that opener – attempted to work their way back into the game and saw a ninth-minute Pernille Harder shot saved before Magdalena Eriksson went close with a header.
    And Hayes’ aces had little time to regroup before their rivals doubled their lead.
    It was danger woman Graham Hansen who swept past Jess Carter to cut back a pass for Jenni Hermoso.
    And Spain’s all-time leading top scorer was brought down by Carter with Alexia Putellas converting from the spot in the 14th minute.
    Barcelona scored four goals in 36 minutes on Sunday nightCredit: AP
    The Blues were left heartbroken by the four-goal blitzCredit: PA
    The WSL winners watched on as Barcelona lifted the trophyCredit: AFP
    A Spanish side won the title for the first time after years of French dominanceCredit: Getty
    And there was little respite for the Blues with Spain’s top-flight champions tearing their defence open moments later.
    This time it was Lieke Martens jinking down the left to tee up Hermoso, who set up Aitana Bonmati to score Barca’s third.
    And the Catalan giants completed a 4-0 first-half demolition.
    Martens made another dangerous run into the box before shrugging off Niamh Charles to set up a Hansen tap in moments after the half-hour mark.
    The second spell saw a re-energised Chelsea attempt to battle their way into the game with Barcelona content to sit back and hit their rivals on the counter.
    Fran Kirby saw her 51st-minute shot blocked before a Niamh Charles’ cross narrowly missed the head of the leaping Sam Kerr.
    And Pernille Harder saw her 68th-minute effort – off the back of a Guro Reiten pass – find its way into the palms of keeper Sandra Panos.
    The Spaniards had a couple of late half-chances before wrapping up a memorable win.
    Emma Hayes’ side enjoyed a fantastic run to the finalCredit: Getty
    Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich attended the showdown in SwedenCredit: AP
    What. A. Start! 🔥 Excellent through ball from Hermoso to find Bonmati 👏 who finds the back of the net! Barcelona are on fire in the first half 👊#UWCLfinal Live on Youtube & BT Sport 2 HD 💻/📺 pic.twitter.com/iw7cxRQbud— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 16, 2021

    The result capped off an unlucky week of cup final losses for Chelsea with the Blues’ Premier League side falling 1-0 to Leicester in the FA Cup.
    But having reached their first final in fine fashion Emma Hayes will be proud of her sides’ achievements.
    And the WSL juggernauts are still on target for the treble with an end of season fifth-round Women’s FA Cup clash with Everton to come this month.
    Penalty! 😯Hermoso is clipped in the box as she goes to shoot 👀Alexia steps up and puts it in the bottom corner for Barcelona ⚽#UWCLfinal Live on Youtube & BT Sport 2 HD 💻/📺 pic.twitter.com/fXb8vOPFMh— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 16, 2021

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    Leicester celebrate with the trophy after they win the FA Cup More

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    Chelsea ace Harder says playing in Champions League final alongside partner Eriksson is a ‘dream’

    PERNILLE HARDER says vying for Champions League glory alongside her partner Magda Eriksson is a dream come true. The inspirational Chelsea couple hope to win their first European trophy by helping the Blues topple Barcelona in Sweden. 
    Pernille Harder would love to see Magda Eriksson lift the Champions League trophy if Chelsea beat BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    Blues skipper Eriksson hopes to lead Chelsea to their first European trophy winCredit: PA
    The Denmark superstar and Blues captain Eriksson –  who are popular role models in the LGBTQ community – became a couple whilst playing for  Swedish outfit Linkoping in 2014.
    And Harder will be aiming to triumph in a Blues vest having twice suffered defeat in the 2018 and 2020 finals with former club Wolfsburg. 
    Harder, 28, said: “We talked about it the other day.
    “If we would have thought six years ago when we were at Linkoping that we would eventually play a Champions League final together, this would have been the biggest dream for us.  
    “And now we get to do it and it’s amazing. The biggest thing would be to see Magda lift the trophy. That would be a very proud moment for her and me also.
     “On and off the pitch, no matter what we are competing in, we both have a winning mentality.
    “It’s not the end if we win the Champions League this season, because we want to win the title and the Champions League again. 
    “For me it’s about the memories and feelings that football brings. 
    “The good thing is that we are super honest with each other on the pitch and we always leave football stuff on the pitch when the game is done.” 
    Eriksson, Harder and their Chelsea team-mates won the 2020-21 WSL titleCredit: Prime Media

    All eyes will be on the WSL champs fearsome attacking trio of Fran Kirby, Sam Kerr and Harder who have netted 13 times in the contest so far.
    Against Bayern Munich, in the semi-finals, Harder demonstrated why Chelsea broke the women’s football transfer record to sign her from Wolfsburg for £250,000 in September 2020. 
    The midfielder’s bullet header helped Chelsea demolish Bayern 4-1 in a dramatic second leg battle.
    And the Uefa Women’s Player of the Year says the pressure of being the world’s most expensive women’s signing is something she takes in her stride. 
    Harder added: “Everyone thinks you can do everything on the pitch when you have that price. 
    “It puts some pressure, or some expectations at least. 
    “But handling expectations is something I’ve been working with in the last five or six years.
    “I knew how to handle it and to focus on my game and adapt to the team.” 
    Harder’s semi-final bullet header against Bayern Munich helped Chelsea reach their first Women’s Champions League finalCredit: Getty
    Emma Hayes’ aces will face a Barcelona side who stormed their way to a sixth domestic league title following a 26-game unbeaten run and a tally of 126 goals. 
    The teams will go head-to-head in the Gamla Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg, the home of Sweden’s women’s team whose players include Blues skipper Eriksson.
    And Harder is confident Chelsea – who won their fourth WSL title – can defeat the queens of the women’s game in Spain. 
    It will be a tough game for sure, but we are also a great team so I think it will be a good finalPernille Harder
    The Dane ace was part of the Wolfsburg side that knocked Barca out in 2020.
    The Blues star said: “I played against them last year and I think they did really good. They have a lot of great players and are a good possession team. 
    “It will be a tough game for sure, but we are also a great team so I think it will be a good final.”
    Harder reckons the quality and depth of Chelsea’s squad has been one of the biggest advantages for the team who have won a league cup and WSL title this term
    And the Denmark midfielder – who is her country’s joint all-time top scorer with 65 international goals – said she had been monitoring Chelsea’s progress for a long period before joining the side.
    Harder added: “I’ve been following the team for a long time. Obviously, with Magda playing here, I saw the development of the team. 
    “I felt like it was so interesting to see what happens, and I just felt like I wanted to be a part of it, and also be in the English league. 
    Chelsea may have to contend with ex-Arsenal aces Asisat Oshoala and Vicky Losada when they play BarcelonaCredit: EPA
    “That was what mostly was my motivation to come to Chelsea, but obviously I’d also heard a lot about Emma. 
    “Even though sometimes in games we might not have played the best football, we always find a way to win. 
    “That’s because we have so many players who can be the game-changer. 
    “If someone has a bad day, there is someone else who is stepping up. That’s really something, I think, that has made us come so far this season.”
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    Emma Hayes and her players hope to win the quadrupleCredit: PA
    Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More