The dynasty of Emma Hayes’s reign at Chelsea has been nothing wanting spectacular.
Accumulating 15 titles since her appointment in 2012, Hayes has remodeled the Blues right into a dominant drive.
A brand new problem awaits her this summer time as the top coach of america ladies’s nationwide workforce, however Hayes’ quest for a historic fifth Ladies’s Tremendous League title in a row is all the way down to the ultimate 4 video games of the season.
Many would have hoped for her tenure at Chelsea to finish on a excessive, however the potential for a quadruple trophy haul has taken a serious hit. The Blues have been eradicated from the Champions League following an exciting second-leg defeat to Barcelona. Earlier than that, they misplaced the Continental Cup last to Arsenal in March and have been eradicated from the FA Cup within the semi-finals simply two weeks later.
Hayes could be very conscious that the duty of difficult Manchester Metropolis for the WSL title, is not going to be straightforward. Whereas Wednesday’s journey to Liverpool is one in all Chelsea’s two video games in hand on the facet six factors above them, Hayes’ facet should additionally overturn a goal-difference deficit of seven within the course of.
“We have to catch them. They’ve been from driving from the front,” says Hayes forward of the sport at Prenton Park, dwell on Sky Sports activities.
“They’ve simply obtained an damage to Bunny Shaw. They’re a workforce that aren’t going to surrender on something and I count on Manchester Metropolis to win each recreation for the rest of the season.”
Hayes is not going to be drawn into the niceties of discussing her profession at Chelsea and what may have been on this last season. Her focus and motivation are remaining ready to problem and win silverware.
“I’m not thinking about the success we’ve had over the years,” she says. “It doesn’t always mean you’re going to keep winning, but I’d rather be in the positions to be competing for something than sat on my hands with no games.”
Head-to-head conferences with Liverpool supervisor Matt Beard are probably the most Hayes has had towards any WSL supervisor.
Whereas Hayes has stayed at Chelsea all through that point, Beard has taken cost of West Ham, Bristol Metropolis and now Liverpool. Hayes is aware of what the problem of going through any Beard facet brings.
“Matt’s done an amazing job and doesn’t get the recognition for his years of dedication to the women’s game,” she says. “He knows what he wants from his teams. He’s a good human being and animated on the touchline.
“I feel Liverpool with somewhat bit extra time will problem. They have been tough for each opponent they confronted. It isn’t nearly what they do defensively, they acquired numerous threats going ahead.”
She adds, laughing: “I acquired advised immediately, that they have not been given a penalty in two years. I hope I am not going to jinx that now, particularly after the final week.”
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Sky Sports activities’ Anton Toloui and Oliver Yew focus on the controversial recreation that took Chelsea out of the Champions League and Barcelona into the ultimate
A lot of Chelsea’s yo-yo season comes all the way down to the variety of accidents they’ve gathered.
The absence of Sam Kerr and Mia Fishel as a consequence of ACL accidents has been an enormous blow to the defending champions. With additional information of Mayra Ramirez being unavailable for a must-win recreation towards Liverpool, Hayes is concentrated on making the most effective of a tough scenario.
“We’ve been without key players in key areas. Of course, that takes its toll because they’re not just players,” Hayes says. “Some of them are real leaders, but the team has to find ways and it’s something we’ve done over the years.
“There isn’t any assure that you’ll win issues for certain. However you completely must put every part into it till the tip. We have now a preventing likelihood of a title.”
The return of Chelsea captain Millie Bright is a silver lining after a turbulent few months, Hayes’s admiration for her skipper is felt as she smiles and recalls how Bright’s presence has been missed both on and off the pitch.
“I listened to her in coaching immediately,” Hayes says. “Whether or not it is directions she’s giving to gamers round what to do, or staying on prime of the fitting info, she’s a frontrunner and a giant vocal presence. I feel that has been an enormous loss for the workforce; [I’m] very completely happy to have her again.”
Twists, turns and surprises are synonymous with previous WSL title races and it’s no surprise that Hayes’ penultimate season with Chelsea is packed with more tension as the finish line looms.
With only four games remaining and a six-point deficit to make up, can Chelsea do the impossible and sign Hayes off in style?
She’s confident that her team can “dig deep” to make it happen.
WSL title race – analysis and remaining fixtures
Chelsea and Manchester City are fighting it out in a two-horse race for the Women’s Super League title – but who is most likely to take the crown come May?
We take a look at both sides’ prospects as the season reaches its final month…
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