Chelsea's manager has delivered a scathing rebuke of former England goalkeeper Mary Earps following revelations in her new autobiography.
Sonia Bompastor mounted a robust defence of Hannah Hampton after Earps characterised her conduct during the 2022 European Championships as "overwhelmingly considered disruptive and unreliable, with a risk of being destructive".
The French coach condemned what she perceived as disrespectful remarks towards both Hampton and England manager Sarina Wiegman.
Speaking following Chelsea's victory over London City Lionesses, Bompastor expressed dismay at the public nature of the criticism.
Mary Earps quit the England national team in the summer
| PAThe autobiography, serialised in the Guardian, has ignited controversy within women's football circles.
Bompastor did not mince words in her assessment of the situation. "What I read in terms of comments from Mary Earps, it's not acceptable not to show respect to your team-mate or your manager," she stated firmly.
The Chelsea manager went further, drawing a stark comparison between the two goalkeepers.
"I think one of them is class, and Hannah is the class one," Bompastor declared.
She also questioned Earps' judgement in criticising Wiegman, noting: "I just think when you use some words, saying something about someone who won the European Championship three times in a row, you should probably think about it before you speak."
Hannah Hampton was a stand out performer for the Lionesses during their Euro success
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Earps' autobiography details her objections when Wiegman proposed bringing Hampton back into the squad in early 2023.
The PSG goalkeeper recounted telling the England manager that "bad behaviour is being rewarded", expressing concern about the impact on team harmony.
The 32-year-old wrote that Hampton's conduct had "frequently risked derailing training sessions and team resources" during the 2022 tournament.
She described feeling protective of the positive atmosphere within goalkeeper training.
Earps revealed her emotional response when Hampton was selected ahead of her for a qualifier in 2024.
"My eyes welled with tears. It was a choice that went against my core values," she wrote.
Hampton ultimately succeeded Earps as England's first-choice goalkeeper earlier this year.
The former Manchester United player announced her international retirement five weeks before the Lionesses departed for Switzerland to defend their European title.
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor blasted Mary Earps and defended Hannah Hampton
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Hampton vindicated Wiegman's faith with exceptional performances throughout the tournament.
She produced a match-winning display in the final against Spain, saving two penalties in the shoot-out.
Despite the acrimony revealed in Earps' book, Hampton had previously spoken warmly about her predecessor's contributions to women's football.
Bompastor confirmed Chelsea would provide full support to their goalkeeper, stating the club would "find solutions" to assist Hampton through this difficult period.