Naomi Girma Emphasizes Team Unity as Chelsea Navigate Busy WSL and Champions League Schedule Chelsea’s Naomi Girma has highlighted the critical importance of maintaining focus and unity as the team faces a demanding schedule in the coming weeks. With the Women’s Super League season entering a pivotal phase, Girma stressed that every match must be treated as a must-win opportunity. The midfielder, who missed the first three games of this block due to a minor injury, reiterated the value of squad depth and collective effort in overcoming the challenges ahead. The Blues are set to return to league action with a WSL fixture against Aston Villa at Kingsmeadow on Sunday, followed by a crucial second-leg Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge the following Wednesday. Girma acknowledged the intensity of this stretch, noting that the team must remain disciplined in their approach. “It’s about always having the same mentality and preparing for every game in the same way to make sure we’re ready,” she said. “We need to be ready to execute and be ready to play for each other.” The player emphasized the importance of balancing individual contributions with team cohesion, particularly as the squad faces back-to-back home games. While the first match at Kingsmeadow is in a smaller venue, Girma highlighted the impact of fan support. “The fans can help us by giving us energy,” she added. “It’s always fun to play in a loud stadium, and at Kingsmeadow, even though it’s not as big, it can get really loud when the fans are cheering together. They are quite close to the pitch, so it gives us a boost and helps us keep going.” Girma also addressed the significance of the upcoming Champions League tie against Arsenal, a rivalry that carries heightened stakes.#champions_league #chelsea #naomi_girma #aston_villa #stamford_bridge
USWNT Star Naomi Girma Challenges Chelsea Teammates to 'Must-Win' Every WSL Fixture Chelsea’s Women’s Super League squad faces a critical stretch of fixtures as USWNT defender Naomi Girma urges her teammates to treat every remaining match as a “must-win” opportunity. The Blues, currently third in the league table, are locked in a battle to maintain their slim hopes of securing the title, trailing leaders Manchester City by nine points and Manchester United by a single point. With a packed schedule that includes domestic and European competitions, Girma insists consistency and focus are paramount to keep their title aspirations alive. The team’s recent schedule has been grueling, featuring a League Cup victory and a 3-1 defeat against Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. This back-to-back intensity has left little room for error, as any slip-up could mathematically end their pursuit of silverware. Girma emphasized that the squad must approach each game with the same intensity, regardless of the opponent or the stakes involved. “Every league match is a must-win now,” she said on the club’s official website. “It’s about taking it game by game and not looking too far ahead.” Girma’s challenge reflects the team’s broader strategy of maintaining mental and physical readiness amid a congested calendar. With the second leg of the Champions League clash against Arsenal looming, as well as upcoming FA Cup and WSL fixtures, the squad must balance preparation for multiple competitions. The 25-year-old defender highlighted the importance of squad depth and collective mentality, stating, “We need to be ready to execute and play for each other. This part of the season is really busy, but that’s when we really go into our roster, trusting the preparation and everyone’s readiness to contribute.#arsenal #champions_league #chelsea #naomi_girma #wsl
USWNT vs. Colombia: Starting XI and Lineup Notes for March 7 Match The U.S. Women’s National Team will face Colombia in a crucial SheBelieves Cup match on Saturday, March 7, at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. Kickoff is set for 3:37 p.m. ET, with the game broadcast on TNT, truTV, and HBO Max in English, and Universo and Peacock in Spanish. Radio coverage will be available on Westwood One in English and Futból de Primera in Spanish. The U.S. squad, led by captain Naomi Girma, has named a Starting XI that includes 11 players with 47.5 combined caps, marking the most experienced lineup since October 2025. Head coach Emma Hayes made two adjustments to the lineup, replacing Claire Hutton with Lily Yohannes and Gisele Thompson with Avery Patterson. The Starting XI features six players with FIFA Women’s World Cup or Olympic experience, including Rose Lavelle, Emily Sonnett, Emily Fox, Girma, Trinity Rodman, and Sam Coffey. Phallon Tullis-Joyce earns her sixth cap and second consecutive start in her first SheBelieves Cup tournament. The 29-year-old, who recently returned from a break, will play her first international match with the team. Rose Lavelle, the most capped player in the Starting XI, will make her 118th appearance and 98th start, surpassing Emily Sonnett’s 115 caps. Sonnett, who has competed in all 11 SheBelieves Cups, holds the record for the most individual tournament wins with seven. Emily Fox, the Arsenal right back, will make her 73rd cap and 62nd start, having contributed to a clean sheet in the previous match. Naomi Girma, the 25-year-old captain, will lead the team for the fifth time, having reached 50 caps on December 1, 2025. Trinity Rodman, at 23, will earn her 52nd cap and 32nd start, becoming the 22nd fastest player to reach 50 caps.#shebelieves_cup #colombia #uswnt #naomi_girma #sports_illustrated_stadium
