Keira Walsh Admits Chelsea Move Was the “Worst Feeling” Despite Trophy Success

Keira Walsh has opened up about the challenges she faced after joining Chelsea F.C. Women, admitting the transition was initially difficult despite immediate success on the pitch.

The England midfielder returned to the Women’s Super League during the 2024–25 winter transfer window after spending three successful years with FC Barcelona Femení.

Although Walsh helped Chelsea win a domestic treble and remain unbeaten in the league last season, she revealed that adjusting to life back in England was not easy.

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‘Like Being the New Person at School’

Walsh described the emotional difficulty of joining a new team midway through a season.

“Nobody likes being the new person at school,” Walsh said. “It takes time to get over it.”

The 28-year-old admitted that moving countries during the middle of a campaign made the transition even harder.

Without a pre-season to settle into the team’s style of play, Walsh had to quickly adapt to a different football environment and new teammates.

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A Career Filled With Success

Despite the challenges, Walsh arrived at Chelsea as one of the most accomplished midfielders in women’s football.

Before moving to Barcelona, she spent eight seasons at Manchester City W.F.C., winning multiple domestic trophies including the Women’s Super League title.

Her time in Spain was equally successful, where she helped Barcelona dominate European football.

During her spell at the club she won:

• Two UEFA Women’s Champions League titles

• Three Liga F championships

• Two Spanish Cup trophies

Walsh has also been a key figure for the England women’s national football team, earning 99 international caps and helping the team win the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 and UEFA Women’s Euro 2025.

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Chelsea Still Chasing More Trophies

Chelsea will have another opportunity to win silverware when they face Manchester United W.F.C. in the League Cup final at Ashton Gate Stadium.

Walsh believes the team can still enjoy a successful campaign even if their run of consecutive league titles ends this season.

“It’s very difficult to win the league every year consecutively,” she said. “That’s what makes Chelsea special.”

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Thompson Embracing Chelsea’s Winning Culture

Chelsea forward Alyssa Thompson also admitted she felt nervous when she first joined the club.

The young United States international said she initially doubted whether she would fit into the squad because of the high level of talent at the club.

However, she believes Chelsea’s culture of winning quickly helped her adapt.

“Winning at Chelsea is written in the DNA,” Thompson said.

The 21-year-old has impressed this season, scoring six goals in the Women’s Super League and becoming an important part of the team’s attack under manager Sonia Bompastor.

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Trophy Opportunity Ahead

Chelsea and Manchester United will meet again in what promises to be a highly competitive cup final.

With Chelsea holding an impressive record of 15 wins in 18 matches against United, Thompson and Walsh will be hoping to add yet another trophy to the club’s growing collection.