Departing manager Emma Hayes says leading Chelsea to Women’s Champions League glory in her final season at the club would be a “fairytale”.
Hayes, 47, has been named as the new manager of the United States women’s national team.
The Blues have enjoyed major success since Hayes took charge in 2012 but are yet to win the Champions League.
“It would be a fairytale, of course, but I didn’t grow up liking fairytales too much,” Hayes said.
“I’m more practical than that but I’d like nothing more than to be in a winning position with this team.”
Chelsea, who were knocked out of the Champions League by eventual winners Barcelona in the semi-finals last season, begin their 2023-24 campaign with a trip to Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Under Hayes, they have lifted six Women’s Super League titles, five FA Cups and two League Cups, becoming a dominant force in English football.
In 2021 she led the Blues to the Champions League final, but they were beaten 4-0 by Barcelona in Gothenburg.
England defender Millie Bright joined the Blues two years after Hayes and credits her with much of her development.
Bright said: “It has been a bit of a whirlwind [since the announcement], Immediately, as a player and a person, I was devastated.
“I’ve been here nine years now under Em. I’ve learned so much – she is a mentor, a coach, a friend, a life coach, it’s more than just playing football under her. That has probably been the biggest thing in taking my game to the next level.
“If you can play under a manager that long and keep thriving it’s very rare.
“It has been a privilege to work with her for so long. We’re so grateful and proud of what we’ve achieved but we have a full season ahead and that’s what we’re focused on.”