Sonia Bompastor

The big London derby between Chelsea and Arsenal in the Women’s Super League takes place at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

And Blues head coach Sonia Bompastor and her Gunners counterpart Renee Slegers do not want it to be a bad-tempered affair – but one that is respectful and competitive.

The Frenchwoman was in relaxed mood as she spoke to the media on Friday – and downplayed the previous heated derbies between the two sides.

“It’s nice to have competition between both clubs,” Bompastor said of the rivalry. “It brings something special into the women’s game. I think as much as it’s a battle on the pitch I think you also need to show respect.”

Sonia Bompastor on Arsenal: “A top team”

And she proceeded to do just that, saying: “I think Arsenal is a top team. The club is doing great for the women’s game and I think you need to respect that, so as a manager I will always be respectful. For sure coming into the game tomorrow I want to give them a hard time on the pitch. Sometimes as a manager when you are in the game, you can be a little bit emotional, but...