Chelsea Ladies star sees bright future for women’s football in England
Chelsea Ladies’ Japanese striker Yuki Ogimi believes the arrival of players from overseas can only improve the standard of women’s football in England.
Ogimi, 26, was recently signed from German club FFC Turbine Potsdam and made her debut in Sunday’s 4-0 trouncing of Doncaster Belles.
It was an excellent start to her new team’s Women’s Super League campaign and suggested they will be a strong outfit this season.
“Our aim is of course to win the title, but first of all to finish in the top two. We want to qualify for the Champions League.”
The signing of World Cup-winning star Ogimi followed the capture of Brazil midfielder Ester in April.
And their goalscorers at the weekend included Sweden international Sofia Jakobsson.
“It’s great to be playing in England at the moment,” said Ogimi.
“England has become a really good place to play. The Women’s Super League means the football will really improve over the next few years.
“The Premier League has become so successful because the best players have come to this country and I think the same will happen with women’s football in England.
“I experienced it in Germany, where the women’s league really improved after more foreign players started coming into it.
“I think the same thing will happen here in England too if the league starts taking more foreign players.”
Ogimi, who also played in last year’s Olympics, is the first Japanese player to feature in the WSL.
She is confident she can adapt to the style of the English game as the season progresses.
“In English [men’s] football the pace is really quick – a lot of quick football and pressure on the ball – and I think in many ways it is the same in women’s football,” she said.
“I’ve not trained many times with the ladies but the impression I get is that in some ways the style is similar, especially compared with other parts of the world.
“I’m a striker who can score goals and also create goals for others. I think I have a good understanding of the game and can anticipate things.
“There is an emphasis here on putting opposing players under pressure, so good decision-making is very important.”
Now in its third season, the WSL has twice been won by Arsenal, with Birmingham City finishing second and Everton third on both occasions.
The top two qualify for the Uefa Women’s Champions League, which Ogimi won with her previous club in 2010.
She explained: “Our aim is of course to win the title, but first of all to finish in the top two.
“We want to qualify for the Champions League. It’s a tournament I like to play in and hope to do so in the future.
“That would make me very happy, but I am already happy to be here. London is very good. I like it in England and am already really comfortable living here.”
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