The Rest Is Football: Daly Brightness - Millie & Ben Haines: What Can Chelsea Do To Overturn Arsenal’s CL Lead? Can Anyone Catch City In The WSL? And Trying Not To Cry About Guro…

Episode Date: March 28, 2026

Millie is joined by “best friend of the pod” Ben Haines to assess the fortunes of the Champions League quarter-finalists after the first leg... Is there any chance of Real Madrid overturning a four-goal deficit at the Camp Nou? Can Manchester United reach the semis for the first time in their history? And could Chelsea make a comeback from 3-1 down against London rivals Arsenal at the Bridge? With just four games left in the WSL, Ben and Millie take a look at how the run-in is shaping up. Can league leaders Man City be caught? At the other end of the table, is it at all possible Leicester can avoid relegation? Millie nearly breaks down reliving Guro Reiten’s departure video from Chelsea, Ben asks Millie about her Player in the Community Award and they look back on Chelsea becoming Subway League Cup Champions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back to Daily Brightness. I am delighted to welcome Benji back. As you know, it was on a few episodes ago now. Benji, it's been a long time, but you're back on the pod. We're so excited to have you. Buzzing to be back. How are you? Yeah, it's nice to have, yeah, I'm good, thank you. I think before we just get into things, I think everybody's going to be wondering where Rach is, where the podcast has been, so just a little message for you all. Now you will have notice, Rach and I have had a few weeks away from podding. We've had a lot going on behind the scenes and I've needed to take some time off to protect our mental health. Daily brightness is all about taking things at your own pace, looking after yourself and supporting

one another, so we practice what we preach. But don't you worry, Rachel will be back very, very soon and we're so excited to have a back. But we're back for now. Me and Ben, to entertain you. So yeah, we'll have a little catch-up first and foremost, Ben. It's been a long time. Well, it's on you, firstly, for taking some time because I think one of the things that people maybe don't realise about football is how crazy relentless it is because I think people just think that training is a few hours a day and then you come home and then you've got your life but it's so all-encompassing like it's just constant every almost every moment of every day be occupied by the idea of football so people

maybe don't realize just how how draining that can be no it really is and then on top of that you have life itself. We still do exist. You actually have life. Yeah. We actually do have lives. And yeah, I think one thing for me and Rach is like we said, we want to practice what we preach. And I think a lot of the time, like we don't see the podcast isn't work. Like it's a passion. It's something like we absolutely adore and we want it to really help, you know, our audience. And that's something that's massive to us. So it was really important to recognize that we both needed a little bit of time. we just weren't quite there mentally. And also we want the best,

we want our viewers and listeners to watch our episodes and have the best time. And yeah, we just didn't feel like we could give everything at that moment. So I think it is really important. And like I said, we don't view it as work. So we didn't feel that we were like, oh my God, we have to do it. Like we never want it to be that.

And I think we're very grateful that we've never felt like, oh my God, we've got to do the podcast. We're like, oh, my God, we're getting on the pod. Whereas we were just, yeah, sometimes. you burn the candle at both ends and we just needed to take a little break but yeah i'm back rachel will be back soon and yeah there's lots to talk in the meantime but what have you been doing what you've been up to i'm very much in that place at the moment where life is life going so quick because i'm super busy and in different places and having the best time and really loving what

i'm doing but i sometimes find that i do this thing where i'm almost like wishing weeks away because it's so busy that you're like, oh, if I can just get to Saturday or if I can just get to Monday. And then you're like, what am I doing? Like, I'm not actually doing the life bit of life. I'm just kind of like going from one thing to the other. So I'm trying to be a little bit more mindful of that. I just trying to be a bit more present. But I've had an unbelievable few days.

I know we're going to get to the Champions League. But where was I? I was watching Villa on Sunday. I was at the KP for Villa Leicester. And then I went to Munich on Monday to go and see some old friends of yours. and then I had the shoot on Tuesday and then I was at Champions League Day for El Classico which was wicked.

I was gutted, I didn't get to come down to didn't get to come down to Arsenal Chelsea I'd have loved to be there for that because that was wild wasn't it? It really, really was but just on that, just what you're saying about not actually doing the life part of life I always say this to people when I get a little bit busy I'm like, am I living

to work or do I work to live like which way around is it? It has been super busy and I can't believe where we are in the year already like Jesus, it's gone. So if we're near the end of the season, what the hell? It's gone so quick.

I hate this bit. I hate this bit, so I feel like we only just started the season. Yeah, but this is the best part. It's the business end. So while we're on football, let's get into it. We'll kick it off with Arsenal, Chelsea. Obviously, I'm Chelsea, so not a great result for us. But yeah, what was your take on the game?

Properly spoiled, weren't we, for amazing goals? Like, absolutely spoiled. Watching, I think particularly, LJ's, goal and less is the goal frost on the third goal. You're just sort of thinking, wow, this is this is where Champions League is at its best, right? Because you're watching the best players at the peak of their powers doing unbelievable stuff. Crazy conditions as well, if people didn't see this. Like, it's raining sideways, which is just a bit of a nightmare. You can't really tell that on the screen. Like, you couldn't actually, you couldn't actually see it. I don't think

people appreciated how bad it actually was. Because on the TV, it looked absolutely like, you can see the rain, but you couldn't see the wind. You couldn't see how bad that actually was. But I agree, I think the goals were like ridiculous, but I think we were a little bit hard done by, and I know some people would disagree, but Vela's goal is not a foul. I'm sorry, it's

not a foul. But listen, like, I think we started getting super, super well, like really bright. I think we, you know, hit the post really early on twice and they're the moment, so, that that's the difference, you know, Arsenal took the chances, we didn't take our chances, not having the goal

allowed, I think that kills you because I think we score that that stays as a goal. We've got momentum back then, that we run the front foot again. But yeah, I thought Arsenal had a slow start for the game, to be honest. I thought we really undid them with our pace, especially in the front areas. But then I think as the game

got going, they picked up momentum after this scored. And listen there are top teams, two top teams coming up against each other, I've always said this, it's down to the small margins, as we know in football. And it's all about, we take those two chances, two nil, but a complete different game. Completely different game.

it looked to me that on the counter attack, Chelsea was so comfortable, just knew exactly what they needed to do in those situations, playing with so much pace, particularly with Alyssa. She was phenomenal in that opening half hour, say. Was that part of the plan? Or do you just think that's the way that the game came about? No, I think knowing how Arsenal liked to play and love having the ball and love committing fallbacks.

And I think knowing how wide their centrebacks want to play, you know the spaces. They don't really change in that aspect. that I think that's always been a space to exploit them. Even if the fullback was in, even when McKay was a little bit lower, Alyssa's got pace on her. So she was downsides every time. But I think it's just playing to your player's strengths, if I'm honest.

I think that's, you know, kind of what we did in that game. I think especially in the first half, maybe less in the second, but first off, I think we really exploited it. And the only thing that we lacked was the finish. It was just the ball going in the back of the net. That was the one thing that we didn't have. And, you know, small margins were extra critical. Can we get a little bit tighter?

on the shots and, you know, stopping the switches. I think it's really, really small margins, but I think as the result's not great to take back, but I think looking at the game itself and the chances that we did create and how on top of them we were in the first part of the game, I think that's definitely something to take, to Stamford Bridge.

And like Lucy alluded to in an interview, is we have done this before. We've been in this position. We did it against City. So I think we have to take confidence from that and we have to believe in ourselves. And listen, I think when it's two top teams, it's whoever's there on the day, really,

and whoever's prepared to go the extra mile. And I know that the girls have got that mentality, and we certainly have the quality. So it's definitely not down and out. Well and truly is half time. And like I said, we have come back from this scoreline. So, yeah, we'll definitely be in full belief. But on the other side, we have to defend

and we have to keep a clean sheet, and we have to give ourselves the best opportunity in doing that. But, yeah, hopefully first though, we can get a good result at the weekend and it kind of sets you in momentum again and puts you in good stead for that game. But yeah, I mean, all the finishes were incredible. LJ's finished.

I don't think people appreciate LESIA's finish. To be able to know where that defender is and take that quick touch and finish, that is like next level, like, talent. And me and Rachel always rave about Lesia, like we do. We've always been her biggest fan, but I think sometimes there's a lack of appreciation.

It might look such a simple thing, but that's not easy. And then obviously, Chloe's goal. All in one motion as well. Yeah. I think, like you said, we were, spoil up for, spoil up for Worldies in that game.

But, yeah, I think more frustration on our part, especially with the decisions and Vila's goal getting disallowed. And I think the second one is a little bit more complicated. I don't think it's that easy. I think there was a foul on the keeper. But, yeah, I think more frustrating from our point, to be honest, especially with how well we started the game.

But it's going to be tasty. It's going to be tasty. Just so, like, to go back to the disallowed goal, honestly, my head was on Mars. I could not work out what was going on. And I still don't buy the explanation that there wasn't a clear and obvious error. I don't explain. I don't understand it. I don't understand.

I'm baffled to quite at the talk at all. I don't understand. I can't get my way up. Where was the foul? Who's foul you? Because if anything, for me, it's a dive. I was like, is there a handballing there or something that I've missed? Even, Beeler was looking around like, who was it?

And the worst part for me is, it's gone to VAR. So this is what annoys me. Everyone's like, get VAR in the game, and I stand by what I say. If the person behind the screen doesn't know what they're looking at and doesn't know what they're judging, then what is the point in VAR? You may as well just sack it off and go with the ref's decision. I've said this from day dot. It's all good and well throwing this technology at the game,

but if the people behind the screens are not up to the level or we're going to have decisions like this that for me is appalling like it's disrespectful to the women's game it's terrible. I don't mean I've seen, I don't think I've seen you know usually after BAL decisions it will be like 50-50 split

of some people being like, oh it was this or it was that I don't think I've seen it unequivocally be like that's just a stinker. I think everyone's baffled but that's like and normally like you said you watch it back and you go all right fair like yeah and slowed down we can see it. But that, well, I'm like, it just infuriated me because I'm like, this is what is disrespectful to the women's game.

And to be fair, yeah, there might be decisions like that in the men's, but that, for me, it was like 100% incorrect. Not even 99.0. or 90%, it was 100% the wrong decision. Like, it shouldn't have even gone to VAR in the first place, like for me. It was so obviously like she's not defended in the correct manner and then panicked and gone down and tried to win a foul. Well, it's bloody work. because you've done it. But then you think it's going to VAR, oh, no worries, like they'll see it and be like, goal.

And then when they didn't give a goal, I was like, are you mad? Like, are we watching? The other thing is just, I feel like 3-2, the game is just so completely poised. Yeah, completely different. Because now, game plan-wise, I guess Chelsea have got a, I mean, you have to be watertight at the back,

but you have to go after the game. Like, you can't, that you don't, your choices are pretty limited, right? Yeah, and that way it changes what Arsenal do because you're three, two, and you're thinking, oh, with the chances that we already had, it's not as if, like, we were getting battered. Like, you know what I mean?

The game swayed all game, it was them, it was ours, it was them, it was ours, it was them. So it's like, do they sit back and then allow pressure? And it was like, it was also like both teams had a lot of injuries. So it was like there was a lot of like maybe inconsistency in that respect. And there was players like you could get at each other because you could say, oh, there's a lack of relationship.

there, they've not played together before, she's playing out of position, you could get at, like, both, like, teams could get at each other, so, yeah, I don't know, it just changes it so much, don't it? And I don't know, that was, like, the worst decision

I think I've ever seen in the women's game. It was horrendous, and I still can't even get my damn words out of what I actually want to say because it was just, I'm just like, what the hell? I didn't realize you could just throw yourself at floor and then go to VAR and then be like, yeah, you know what?

Some real bad foul. that. The thing that is, I guess the thing that Sonia, I think Sonia's point was, she's like at this point, these games are so big, that these games are so crucial and they're so important. There's more people watching than ever. And also, the Champions League at this stage, it is all of the massive teams in the championship, right? It makes a difference because also we're fighting for top three in the league.

So, like, there's no, this is not an easy part of the season. So it's like you're already going into a must win. Like every team now is playing must win games. You're playing a final every three days. That is what this part of the season is. Every game is a final. Every game is a final. So you're not like, it's not as if you can,

you can like fully like just rest or sit off a little bit of the weekend. No, you've got to go win that game and then you've got to go and prepare again. But you've just made, we've just made it twice as hard because we've got to go and score an extra goal now. So the decision do make a big difference. Like, and listen, like I know everyone will sit. they say, oh, but you're a Chelsea player, you've got to say that. No, like, to be honest, if the shoe was on the other foot, I'd be thinking, Canell, we've got away with one there.

Oh, my God, like, we got lucky. Like, you would, naturally, like, we're not delusional. Like, you have to be honest as players. Like, obviously behind the scenes, they're going to say that. But, yeah, if the shoe was on the other foot, we'd be saying, Jesus, we got lucky there. Like, I could have been very different if they gave that goal. But, yeah, anyway, it is what it is.

We'll be ready at the bridge. We'll give it everything. So, yeah, be ready. Do you know what? I feel like with that, that's kind of teed up perfectly, that next fixture because it means it's going to be an exciting game one way or another.

You guys are going to have to go after it. The game that I was at, I was at El Casico, and I feel like that tie is just absolutely over. Barcelona has smashed around Madrid in Madrid. Obviously, I've never been to one. I've only ever watched it on TV. What is the absolute? atmosphere, talk us through it.

Is it, I'll be completely honest. It's six to, like that's a hefty. Yeah. That's a heavy missile. But you know what it's like with Barcelona. When they get into those bits of the game where they have maybe for 10 minutes, 90% possession. Yeah. And you're just like, it just looks exhausting.

It looks absolutely. They didn't even play that well, but they've got so many outstanding players. they left Graham Hanson on the bench. They left, like, they had Matthew Leon coming back from injury, she's chilling on the bench as well,

got a shirt and live on the bench. Like, they've got so much depth. It's just ridiculous. And when you're getting that slow as well, it honestly feels like, you feel like a brick wall, you feel like you're getting peppered.

Yeah, you're like, oh my God, I can't get out, can't get out. Where's my arm band's like, give me, give me the flow.

Like, get me the water wings. I don't, like, I don't even know what you're supposed to do. Like, I don't, so bad for defence

that's friction. What you're supposed to do? You go in a low block. Do they break through it anyway? Or we had it in one of the games and you're like, right, you sit a little bit, block all the spaces and then Peter just curls it in the top corner

and you're like, how, how? Yeah. She gets half the yards. Oh my God. Yeah. The girl is a joke. She is an unbelievable talent. I don't think she gets spoken about enough, by the way. No, I don't think she gets nowhere near enough credit.

Like, for her age, like whether she starts, comes on as a sob. She always impacts the game, like always. I think she's, yeah, I think she's, yeah, I think she's topped me. I think she's incredible. I really, really do. Do you know what? Her and Pior,

they're both two criminally underrated players. They don't get anywhere near the credit because they're not the names of that team. Whereas I think if they were in almost any other team in the world, they'd be the best player in that team. I mean, there's 99% of sides that would, they'd be celebrated like they were the most elite level talent. It just so happens that Barcelona are spoiled for players.

But yeah, that game feels like, it's probably over sadly. Yeah. Yeah, next week at the camp now, that'd be good. They'll get a massive crowd. There wasn't a huge crowd in Madrid. It was probably like 5,000. It's okay.

But I think for a game of that size, I was really hoping for a little more. But I think at camp now, they'll have a lot. Next week for Man United against Bayern. I know that Bayern are going to be at the Allianz, and I think they're at the moment around 25,000 they've sold, 30,000. Yeah. So that'll be a really good atmosphere.

because that game's quite finely poised as well. Yeah, moving on to that game, three, two, to buy in. There was this lovely video during the rounds of Georgia and Tooney having a massive hug after the game. Did you see that? Yeah, I've seen it.

It's like a throwback to like the Euros because they both like, well, like arm in arm. It's so nice to see it. I love seeing stuff like that. I think it's... I was going to say, do you like that? Because I love it. Yeah, 100%.

Well, that's like me and Hatch after a game. If me and Hatch got told we weren't, I'd be like, yeah, all right, stop me. You'll have to put a whole universe between the middle of us to stop us getting to each other. But I like that. Listen, when the game's done and dusted, like, the game's done and dusted, and you're still human. Like, that's also a really special moment between two people, like, your best mates or your really good friends.

And it's almost refreshing because when the game's over, you see each other and it's like, you just forget that moment. You could be in a happy moment, could be sad, you could have lost. But then you see them, you see that, like, your people. And it's like, oh, just like, I don't know, just happiness regardless of the result. And I just think it takes back to being a human again. Like, it's the people element. And I think, again, that gets lost in football.

It does. It gets lost in sport. Like, you know what? I'm like, oh, God, need to win, need to win. But, and I think, do you know what? I think sometimes, I've seen a lot of comments sometimes from fans. And I think it gets very misunderstood. And sometimes it gets perceived as not being professional.

and I hate when I see comments like that, oh, you just lost, you shouldn't be doing that. What? I shouldn't embrace a person that means I'll have a lot to me. Yeah, I should actually. I should and I will continue to. And I hate when I see comments like that. And I'm not saying there was those comments on that particular video.

But I've had it before personally when I've... I definitely saw that. I saw people saying like, oh, this is the difference. It's not a difference. The 90 minutes is over. It's nothing to do with it. Like, you can't ever question one single person. player, I'm telling you now, when you're playing in the

Champions League or you're playing in the women's game, I see players give the heart and soul every single day, every single game. I've had it before when I used to play against Jill Scott and we used to be like stud marks everywhere would be sliding into, kicking, literally kicking the shit out of each other. After the game, I'm ill, you're all right, how's your family? You have to remember

that. Fans need to remember that. These people when you play and you have teammates, and especially when you play like in your national team or even at club level, You play with these people every single day. Like you meet up every single morning. You probably have breakfast together.

You have lunch together. You train together. You see each other go through the hardest times on and off the pitch, injuries, personal life, losing family members. Like you literally grow through life with these people. So, yeah, going and embracing my best friend or Georgia embracing Tunei after that is like going up and me giving them a mum and dad a hug. So should I stop doing that?

because that's what these people are like they become your family like it's that's what I love about sport that's what I love about being in a team is like they're your people these are the people that you rely on in like my hardest times first people I'm picking the phone up to

is Rach Sam, guru, Aaron Carly like they're my people in sport they're not they're not my teammates they're my circle of people that's your 3am phone call isn't it

literally holy shit I broke down like I've had a crash or yeah like I've always said rage if I need to be bailed out, mate. You better get down. I need you. A lot of help.

That comes from time, right? That comes from the fact that you've invested so much time in each other. You don't just turn it on and off like a light switch. No. Imagine your teammate goes through an ACL. You're there every single day. And imagine that's not just your teammate, but then it's become a person.

Like when Sam first came to the club, she was a stranger. She's one of my best friends. and I've seen her go through the hardest time, like the last couple years, and I'm also the proudest now because I've seen her come out the other side, and one, she's just absolutely smashed, like, the Asian court, she's made it back through the hardest injury,

and, like, she's, like, getting back to her best form. Like, they're, like, proud moments, so, of course, and I know we play on the same team, but if we didn't, like, I just, yeah, I just don't think people understand, like, they're not just teammates, like, I feel every emotion that my friends feel, like friends, my family, my teammates.

If they're sad, I'm sad. And maybe I'm that, that's just who I am a little bit as a person as well. But your teammates aren't just your teammates. Like you live every single day with them like you do. The only thing we don't do is go home together. That's the only time you're away from them. Yeah, no. And if you and Rach could control it, you definitely would go home together as well.

If we could control it, we'd be having one house and we'd be living in it. Where is Territoff? I'm right here Don't miss the return of Marvel Television's Daredevil Born Again So what's next? We're gonna take this city back

In an all new season Now streaming only on Disney Plus They're hunting us It's time we started hunting them I can work with that This should be tons of fun Marvel television's Daredevil Born Again

Now streaming only on Disney Plus And that's that Let me just very quickly just in case you, because I don't know if you got a chance to watch a Wolfsburg game, because it's pretty much almost aligning at the worst possible time for you. Annette Berenstine is a problem for people. She is so, so dangerous, but she had a massive chance. She scored the goal to make it 1-0.

She had a massive chance. She could have made it 2-0. And I feel like because she didn't, Leon now going to be favourites at home, they've got so much history in the competition. They're probably going to sort of kick yourself. If it don't work out from there the moments where you're like oh shit I should have

I needed to But listen to football And that is what makes it exciting Like you're either winning those moments Or you don't But just back on the United Bainting game before we move on Just on the performance

Penile Harder Like She's unbelievable She's unbelievable Again another one under the radar Like I don't feel like she's spoken about And I know everyone like sends her stats around

Why not though Why doesn't she get... I don't understand because her stats always get posted and I'm like she's always been one of the best like she hasn't just become the best

she's always been she was one of the best at Chelsea she was one of the best before that and I think her stat is she's won every single year she's like one with every team that she's been at

and then even seeing her goals against United that that's when P's at her best back shoulder runs pulling off you into space and once she's got that ball she's scoring you know she's scoring

the finish as well she makes it look so easy So, yes, she just like, just glides in. But, yeah, I think that's going to be a tasty game, 100%. But I think when Bayern are on it and they get their best players in the game, which for me is P and G firing in midfield, I think when them two are on it, I think I think Ryan could go. But again, United could easily pull it back.

A key player for them, Jess Park. Oh, wow. She's going to get her. Oh, I saw a clip of her, and her feet are unbelievable. A little stop start. Yeah, right. three players around and she was like bye, see ya. She's so good

but I think that'll be interesting though. That'll be very, very interesting. Yeah. That for me is going to be the one to watch second legwise. I think that's going to be the game that is the most dramatic because I think it could go over the way. Who are you for? Who gets through? Us. Come on!

Obviously, Barter. I'm going to go Bayern. Home of Arnage. And Leon. Right, my thought. think I'm going to go, I think Byn will have too much at home. I think Leon as well are just going to be a little bit too much for Walsberg and Walsberg needed to take that chance to make it

make it too. Barser rail is so over which is so sad because I wanted that to be close because I wanted her to have a moment at Camp now. And then I can't pick your game because I think if you score first I think tide shifts. I think basically that one is decided by whoever scores first. The basketball first. So the start of the games, to be honest, isn't it?

It really is. Ooh, it's going to be interesting, but obviously I'm sticking with my roots. I trust my girls. Right. WSL, take me into it. I feel bad asking you this question because City have just been so ruthless, but do you think it's done? I don't know, because it's...

Do you know what? It goes back to my point. It's really hard at this point of the season because it's like us, my new, even Arsenal, we're all competing in the championship. league. So you're competing in all the competitions and then you're trying to chase City Down who were absolutely storming through anyone and anything. But listen, I think it is their year. So I'd be lying if I thought anyone else we're going to lift it. I think it is their year

to go on and lift it. I think they've been exceptional from start to where they are now. And I genuinely don't see them slipping up. Anything that Bunny touches seem to go back at net. And like I said, I think you feel as players as well when it's your moment. Like I said, the years that we've won it, we've always felt invincible. Like, I'm like, yeah, we're not going to lose it. And so that's why this season's been a really weird one for us, because we've never felt what we're feeling. And in all the 12 years that I've been at Chelsea,

I've never said we're pushing for top three. Those words have never come out my mouth. Like, we've never said, oh, we're fighting for top three. We've always been fighting for number one. But, yeah, it's hard for the others because, like I said, every game is a final. So you're playing the final every three days, basically. Two things can be true at once, right?

The city have been unbelievable, but it has definitely helped the fact that they've been able to keep their squad fitter, healthier, sharper, because you're not in this place where you're playing a game, which is a, like Chelsea playing against Arsenal was massive, it's massive,

and then they have to go again at the weekend in or just to stay in the battle for top three. Yeah, it really, really is. But I think it's been a, I think this has been the most uneasy, maybe uneasy is not the right word, but uneasy season for everyone, because I don't think anything's been set. I think other than up until this point where it's pretty much set,

that city is in the running for the league, other than that, nothing has been set. Like, it's been so, like, scrambled and, like, up and down and movements, like, teams moving up and down. Whereas I think years before, it's kind of top one and top two have always been, like, battling. Yeah, you can't host this year, can you? Do you know what I mean?

Like, where's this year, it's been a really, like I guess for the fans it's been entertaining and I think not knowing who's going to be where I think that's the first time in a long time where we've not known who's going to finish where and I think even now like the Champions League is up for grabs everyone's within like a couple points I think it's yeah it's going to be exciting for sure

but like I said this is the moment where the question is who can handle the pressure who can handle the pressure who can keep the squad fit and healthy and play a final pretty much every three days because that's got to be your mentality because you drop any more points you're out, you'll be out the top. It's that close, that dropping any more points, any, you know, United Arsenal,

or you can swiftly move down. You can swiftly be in fourth and fifth, like, it's crazy. But I think that's probably a sign of growth within the league, how close it actually is. So, yeah, it's going to be exciting. But, yeah, we'll fight on all fronts until the very last day. I think everyone knows that. At the other end, I was, do you know, I was a bit, I felt bad for less.

the other day when they took the lead against Villa. Alicia Lehman scored and I thought, okay, I've got something to cling on. Yeah, really nice. Hannah came, really good assist as well. And I just thought, do you know what? There's something for Lester to sort of cling on to here. There's something they can build from and they conceded so quickly after half time. And you just see sometimes, for whatever reason,

you just have those seasons where nothing goes for you. And I feel like they're going for a bit of a moment right now. where things are just not going for them. And the main, I don't know if you guys have already spoken about this, I do think it's going to be crazy that playoff. If it is, whoever it is, that playoff is going to be insane. That's the one thing that if they can't hold on to finishing not bottom, that's the one thing they've got to hold on to is that there is a playoff

and that they still have an opportunity to stay in the league. And I think as much as you don't want to kind of, it's not a, about quitting or accepting it, but it's just keeping that in the back of your mind that when, you know, for the hell, we've all been there, when times get tough and you're like, oh my God, nothing is working.

Like, what is the point? Nothing's working. What do we do? It's in those tough moments. Like, if the team and the players, they have to keep that in the mind, is that girls, no matter what, we've got an opportunity to be in the playoffs,

we've still got an opportunity to stay. So you're getting a second chance, really. So I think it's keeping that, fight until the end, gaining points if you can, and then absolutely smashing that playoff. But I think, again, that makes it exciting. And it's exciting for the championship as well, knowing they've got that opportunity.

So, yeah, it's hard. It's really, really hard. Like you said, it becomes draining. And then you're looking at all angles, and you start over-analyzing and looking at things. Like you said, sometimes it's just not your time. It's just not your season. And sometimes you just need to get through it, reset,

have time off, come back your pre-season, rebuild, and go again, and build on it. But yeah, it's been a really, really tough time for him. Right, guys, that is enough on the foot here. We are going to take a little break and we'll be back very soon. Welcome back. Right, some other news.

Millie, tell us about your player in the community award. We're going to do half an hour on this. No, we're not. We're not going to really like to sweetly move on. Yeah, honestly, it was so nice. Yeah, you know me. Obviously, I'm trustee for the Chelsea Foundation and I think being recognised for that sort of work

is for me that's probably more special than getting like an award for my football for the thing that I'm actually paid for. Just because it's a massive, you know me, like it's a massive passion. And if there's one thing that, you know, when I'm done in the game, I want to be able to look back and say I've made a difference. And I don't want to just be recognised for my football and what I've achieved. And yes, it's amazing all the trophies that I've won with Chelsea. and even the stuff that I've done with England

and, you know, lifting the Euros, it's kind of the other side that really, really like, pulls on the heartstrings for me and makes a different and being remembered for the community side of things and I think that for me goes a long way, so that was like super, super special, like that, like I really, really appreciated that and it just highlighted, like, the importance of that work

and that still there's more to be done. But I love it, I love doing anything to do at community, I love working with the youngsters and going to schools and yeah, I think just being involved and I always say like being a part of Chelsea, you're not just a Chelsea player, you represent the communities, you represent the area around you

and everything that's attached to the club and I think sometimes we forget that and we just think, oh, we just pull on the shirt and play, like, no, you're representing the foundation, like everything that they do, their values bleed into our environment and we're all as one. So I love it.

Like I've loved some of my favourite bits is, obviously I wore my neurodiverse trainers for the barter game last year. That was like a special moment. As much as I'm a role model for hopefully loads of young boys and girls out there, my biggest people is my nephews and my family. And now I'm a lovely little niece

when she's old enough to understand what I actually do. But they're like my biggest people that I want to be a role model too and I want to represent them as much as myself. and I haven't really spoken about it yet but just before Christmas I had a test for autism and ADHD and I am severely ADHD so even me working through that

leads into my community work because I love going into schools and like just seeing so many different like kids and like their cultures and the backgrounds and everything that I represent the foundation do which is why it was a no-brainer to be a trust. and to work alongside them,

but doing the surprises at Stanford Bridge, I've done loads of those. That's been pretty sick. Having all, like, surprising all the classes, the schools at Stamford Bridge when they're doing the comics, and we've got loads of exciting work coming on. And I also want to highlight the work that they do

and the people behind the scenes don't get nowhere near as enough credit as they deserve. So, yeah, picking up that, obviously I weren't able to go to the awards, which was unfortunate, but I feel like when I picked those awards up, I'm not representing me. It's the foundation, it's Chelsea, it's everything that I'll really want to be remembered for.

So it's really, really special. I love it. Do you know what? There's so many players that will say, like, oh, I really enjoy doing the community side of things. And I really enjoy being able to give back. And sometimes you think, do you enjoy it or is it something that you do? I always say, though, if you do, where is it? Like, what?

Yeah, do it. I think it should be visible, like you should see it. and it's not to go and like it's not to go and boast about it and like that's not what it's about but I genuinely like love it like I absolutely love it and I've loved having like my mum as a part of it so my mum's done like she's

come down and done like the school visits at Stamford Bridge when all the kids were there and the classes were there like my mum was there as well so she got to see me doing that but she was involved and my mum used to work in school so for her like that's like bread and butter she knows exactly what she's doing but for her to see me and kind of like the person

that I am and my passions, it goes way, way, way beyond football. And, you know, I hope a relationship with the foundation is something that I have for a very, very long time because beyond my years of playing, like, that will always be a passion and something that's, yeah, very close to me. And I'm super grateful for the foundation because they've given me that opportunity to be involved and chewing their ear off constantly. I want to do this. I want to do this.

I've got this. I've got this. I've got that. That's the ADHD break. Can we do this? Can we do that? Can we do this? Should we do this?

That sounds great. Let's do that. I bet Billy's having a heart attack like, Bill, chill. Enough. No more ideas. No, I remember the first time, I think, the thing, I don't know if I spoke about it on this pop before. But the first time we met was literally you going back to your old school. Do you remember?

Yeah, it was so. I think it's like 10 years ago. I've got that picture on, my mum did me a photo book. Yeah, I've got it. I've got it. I've got the pictures. Like, that's when, um, bloody hell, that was Harvey. No, that was Vinny.

Oh my God, that's when Vinny was so small and he was on the school field and I'm like that and I've got my England kit on it's the black one with the red top. Yeah, you're full. Yeah. And all the kids have drawn you like pictures and put pictures on the wall.

I know, it's so cute. But I'm like that, that is, it's so nice that you've been recognised for that because it's not like this year, you know. It's something you genuinely have cared about for a long time. So congrats, mate. Thank you.

I appreciate that. Can I bring the, can I bring the, Like, that's down to a sad note here. I honestly melted watching Guru Ritans leaving videos. No. I'm honestly, I cannot imagine what it was like. My brain went straight to you guys.

I was like, how on earth do you guys take news like that? You know, because she obviously told you age before. I'm not accepting it. Yeah, I think when, yeah, we obviously knew it before, which was hard and we're trying to process it. And then it's like, do you know what it is? It's one of the moments where you think this is never going to happen. like it's never going to happen like we're all going to retire together

forever yeah forever like it's never it's never going to happen and then it's happening and i'm like oh my god like it happened and i was like honestly ask guru you she'll watch this and we'll tag her guru please could you just explain to everyone what i was like on your last day because i sobbed my heart i sobbed my eyes out in the physio room and I couldn't look at her and I would just like it'll set me up now. Wait, did you do the, can you tell me the type of crying that you did? Did you do the bit where you're kind of like doing the pre-cry breaths where you can feel it coming?

I couldn't look at her and I was just like, I would just like this. I'll literally, I'll start now. I can't. Like, it's so sad. I hate it. Like, I hate, I feel like I'm losing people. Ah, stop. I can't.

I actually can't. Sorry, I've set you off. It's that feeling, isn't it? That feeling of, like, it sort of, it's like very real feeling of like, oh, no, this thing that I loved coming to an end. And it's not, because you obviously be friends forever. Yeah, well, that's that one of my people,

that I go to you every single day, like, she's just, I had Felix, and I'm like, my nephew's now disappearing. Brilliant, what am I supposed to do there? I was like, FaceTime it every day. I want pictures of my nephew. Please send them. But it's like, my head immediately goes to a place of,

what if I need you? Like, what if I'm having, what if I'm having one of my days or one of my off days or what if my head scrambled? Or what if I need you? Or I've rushed your train. I'm like, girls, I've got something to tell you, like, can we have a coffee today? Or, like, guys, I really need you.

Like, it's, my head goes, shh. Yeah, we were just sad. Like, honestly, we would just, like, we don't believe it. We're like, no, not ready to watch this yet. No. And I remember watching it. I just sobbed watching it. And I watched it over and over, because I like, is this happening?

Like, is it, is this like April Falls or something? But on the other hand, I'm really, really excited for her, I'm really proud of her. And I know she's going to smash it out there and have the best experience. So, and she deserves it. She really does deserve it. She is a super, super talented player. One of the best left foots I've ever seen.

One of the best assists in the league. Her assistant Sam Curry is one of being my favorite moment ever. I remember Sam's first game against Arsenal, Burr and Wood. and Guru just popped this lovely ball in, Sam just nodded it in all that. Oh my God, here we go, now we're talking. And then ever since then, she just literally, they just don't understand, do you know when two players have that connection? Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Guru can, oh, she can put the perfect ball in every time. Well, it's just sad, like, it's, honestly, it's little moments, like, we're celebrating, like, 150 appearances together, or 200, or going out for birthday meals, or, I don't know, I feel like you're going to lack those physical presences, but I said, I won't be going on a road trip. I'll be going on a freaking plane trip. Yeah, too right.

What a good visit that's going to be. Yeah, you get your points. Yeah, but it's, I'm gutted for you guys, because that was a real, when I saw that drop, I mean, I was the same as you. I don't know what, I couldn't stop watching. My eyes were getting, like, hot, and I was like, oh my God, I'm going to start crying.

I can't stop watching it. I could not look at our eyes. The last day, I honestly could not look at her and then she was like, make sure you take care of Amelia. Like, she's a big soft day and I was like, yeah. Like, just, just go now.

Just go because I can't actually. I remember Yassick, one of our physios. He was sat there, blessing. He was sat next to me. And everyone were just looking at me because no one knew what to do. Because no one ever sees me like that. So no one knew what to do.

And I just remember I was sitting there, I sobbing. And I looked at Yassick and he just looked at me and he was like, because he didn't know what to do, bless him. And I was like, I'm making everyone. So I was like, guys, I'm just going to go have a tea break. I'm just going to go and fix myself.

I'll be back. So I went and I came back and everyone looked at me and were like, oh no. That's the worst. I was like, stop. Don't ask me if I'm okay. Don't ask me if I'm okay. And everyone kept coming in a hug and I was like, ah!

I was like, stop, stop. And the girls were training. So we didn't even have like Aaron. Oh no. And obviously Sam was away at this point. So I was just like, I said non-years will understand like you just don't get it. when we have such a special little group

like my T4, 5 girlies including calls like they're honestly the most special people I think I've ever met like and yeah oh my God I can't imagine if I would play

not the same team as Rach and she then decided to leave to the other side I said you're never going to other side of the world ever not allowed to leave no again I hate it then still so sad

but anyway moving on bring us back to something happy. Right, good news. How was it league cup-wise, not being able to like actually affect things? I think that would be more stressful. Hating it. Yeah, than actually playing. Absolutely hate it. I hate not being able to be with the girls. Like, this is one thing about injuries I hate is you can't actually like impact that you can't. You can. And I just have to keep reminding myself that even if it's 1% that I improve like the environment or the players or I can impact it anyway, even if it's half a percentage, I will. Like, so if being there helps out, I will do that.

And I think it's, I said this in one of my programs, is that it's for me, when you're injured, it's super important to keep showing up for the team. And it's a balance, you know, because when you're injured, you also need time away. And personally, like, you need time to just, like, figure your own self out so that you can be the best for the team. But I was really proud that day. I was proud of the kids, like, seeing them shine. A lot of the girls getting a first train.

trophy with the blues and then seeing them celebrate. I enjoyed watching you celebrate. Yeah, they got to celebrate. I was like, girls, what are you doing? You've just lifted your first, get in front of the crowd, like lap it up. Trust me, like your career goes quick, life goes quick. Like you might not get another trophy.

You're not guaranteed, like take your moment and be proud of it. Like, don't be ashamed of it. So yeah, I loved getting them involved and making them celebrate. Because for me, that's when I look back over my favourite moments, that was it. Celebrating with the fans and with the fans and with, your teammates after and like don't just stand there as if we've just

lost and we love to clap it like get involved get the fans going that's what they want so I did love it like I absolutely loved it I loved to see us like fight and have that great and although I never feel like I've really won when I'm that's only I think that's only the second trophy that I've lifted

not being not playing I did the yeah I can imagine that strange and then obviously that league cup because of my foot but yeah I never feel like I've actually won. And I battle with myself in my head because I'm like, no, well, you played like

all the other games, you're still like apart. But yeah, I feel like I'm yeah, I feel like I'm cheating the game or something. Like I've lifted something and saying that with one, but I haven't actually, I weren't on the pitch. But yeah, it's a proud moment from the sides and I loved cheering the girls on.

And yeah, we had a nice little road trip down with the other injured girls. So I think they enjoyed my driving season. Oh, nice. Oh, that's really class. that you got that together as well. Like you've got, like you said, it goes so fast that you have to enjoy it. No, you definitely do.

Right, moving on. This is our favourite part. So, I nearly said Miss Daly. Mrs. Daly. If you're watching. For you, Mills, I could be. Yeah, we are doing our favorite. Now, block and delete, you obviously know we do.

That's my favorite bit. And then Rachel's gratitude. So what do we want to get rid of this? week. I'm getting rid of injuries. Yeah, I like that. Get them out. I hate the fact that it, I hate the fact that it, the thing with injuries, and I've seen

this for so many different players, they can do the recovery, they can do the gym sessions, I hate what it does to people's headspace. That's the thing that, that, like, I think. Injuries can make you stop completely. They can make you just go, you know what, sod it, I'm done.

I'm done. Especially when you get injured, you come back, you get Ganged. Ganged again. That was the hardest part for me. That broke my heart. Seeing so pleased for Kadesha coming back, absolutely buzzing. Like, so, so happy for her.

Seeing that come back on buzzing and then seeing her come off, that absolutely shattered me. Like, it completely and utterly broke me. And I was like, again, going back to the point where you don't want to see players like interacting after games because we're on different teams, seeing a player bust their ass every single day to return. a smile on a face coming on, and then now seeing her be broken again

and picking up the pieces, that's the hardest part of being a teammate, like, by a country mile. It's like the worst part. You just want to take everyone's pain away, but I wish that you could just take it away. So I'm 100% on that, block and delete injuries for good.

Now, I've got that many that I've started doing the notes because I've had to, when it comes into my head, I have to put it in my notes. So I've got quite a lot, but I've got, I thought quite a lot, but I'm going to go. Entire episode.

No, you've been banking these for the last three weeks. Yeah. Me? I've been out. Right, come on. I'm not sure. What have you got? What I am?

That's how many of thought. Oh my gosh, you've literally got three scrolls were. There's a lot that annoys me. Okay. Let's get some stuff off your chest then. Right. My first one, I'm going to do two. I'm going to do two.

My first one, leaving your charger downstairs and then getting into bed and going, oh. We charge you downstairs. Got to go all the way. back, pick it up and come back. That completely does my head in. Block and delete. Got to tick that off now. I left my charger at the KP the other day.

So if anyone from Lester wants to return it, that drove me mad as well. Yeah, ship it down for him, love. My second one is people forcing rubbish in a bin that's already full. When they do it and stuff starts coming out the other side. Obviously the bin liner's full.

So tie it up, remove it, took it in the bin and put a new one in and put your rubbish in. Oh my God. Is there any one? want to act directly here. I feel like someone is catching strays. People do this at club. Stop doing it.

Right. On to gratitude because we like to end on a high. Nice and positive. What is your gratitude for this week? I saw someone the other day that was running, run and stop a bus

so an old lady that was coming around the corner could get on. And that like, it made me then want to do it for other people. So I've started like, whenever I'm out walking, if I see someone trying to like stop the bus down, I think I'll make sure I do that. But I love the idea of things getting passed on. Chain reaction.

Like you see it so you want to do it. Ah, so good. It's the best thing. And it's such a lovely feeling as well, doing stuff like that. Because you get nothing back from it other than just feeling great. Yeah, exactly. But wicked. What about you, mate? Well, whoever that person was that did that love the gesture, Thank you for being a good human and thinking of society and other people around you. That is very refreshing this day and age.

And good for you, Benji, for copying. Mine this week, do you know what I'm going to say? I'm going to say Emma Hayes got me a journal and I like journaling anyway. But this journal has like a morning section, a little bit of like to-do section and then an evening one and then a reflection on the day and you rate your date. And I'll say that has been the biggest game change for me recently. obviously it's been a little bit of a tough time so that has been it's not just plain paper

like I like to just journal and jot stuff down but that actually gives me like a bit of a purpose to my journal and what I'm actually doing so I would say yeah Emma forgetting me the journal and actually thinking about me when I didn't even know she was to be honest she's an all right manager Emma Hayes did she's got some good ideas

she's all right she's alright she's asked recent she's good oh mate this has been so much fun. I'm so glad you've come on and we can't wait to do more. Guys, what are you rating Benji on the pod? Because we think he's sick and we love him and he fits right in. We might have to change the name a little bit to get you in on it. Every now and then. I love to you, Rach, as well. Love you, mate. Yeah, love to rage. Guys, thank you for listening to Daily Brightness. If you're not subscribing, what the hell are you doing? Click the down button. As always,

please follow us on all socials at Daily Brightness. It's a goodbye from me. And goodbye from me. Thank you.