The dynasty of Emma Hayes’ reign at Chelsea has been nothing short of spectacular.
Collecting 15 titles since his appointment in 2012, Hayes has transformed the Blues into a dominant force.
A new challenge awaits this summer as head coach of the United States women’s national team, but Hayes’ quest for a historic fifth consecutive Women’s Super League title comes down to the final four games of the season .
Many would have hoped his tenure at Chelsea would end on a high note, but the potential for a quadruple trophy has taken a major blow. The Blues were eliminated from the Champions League after a thrilling match. defeat in the second leg against Barcelona. Before that, they lost the Continental Cup final to Arsenal in March and were knocked out of the FA Cup in the semi-finals two weeks later.
Hayes is very aware that the task of challenging Manchester City for the WSL title will not be easy. While Wednesday’s trip to Liverpool is one of Chelsea’s two games in hand against a team six points ahead, Hayes’ side also need to overcome a seven-goal deficit In the process.
“We have to catch them. They drove from the front,” Hayes said ahead of the match at Prenton Park, live. Aerial sports.
“They just received a Bunny Shaw injury. This is a team that is not going to give up anything and I expect Manchester City to win every game for the rest of the season. »
Hayes won’t get drawn into the intricacies of discussing his Chelsea career and what might have happened in that final season. His focus and motivation remain able to meet challenges and win trophies.
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Chelsea’s Aggie Beever-Jones says she wants to win her fifth consecutive WSL title for manager Emma Hayes, who will leave the club at the end of the season.
“I don’t think 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 positions to compete for something than sit idly by without any games.”
The one-on-one meetings with Liverpool manager Matt Beard are the most Hayes has had against any manager in the WSL.
While Hayes has remained at Chelsea all this time, Beard has taken charge of West Ham, Bristol City and now Liverpool. Hayes knows what the challenge of facing any Beard team brings.
“Matt has done an incredible job and is not recognized for his years of dedication to the women’s game,” she says. “He knows what he expects from his teams. He is a good human being and lively on the touchline.
“I think Liverpool, given a little more time, will be a challenge. They have been difficult with every opponent they have faced. It’s not just what they do defensively, they have a lot of threats to the future.”
She adds with a laugh: “I was told today that they haven’t received a penalty in two years. I hope I don’t jinx them now, especially after last week.”
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Sky Sports’ Anton Toloui and Oliver Yew discuss the controversial match that knocked Chelsea out of the Champions League and Barcelona into the final
Much of Chelsea’s yo-yo season comes down to the number of injuries they have accumulated.
The absence of Sam Kerr and Mia Fishel due to ACL injuries was a major blow for the defending champions. With further news that Mayra Ramirez is unavailable for a must-win match against Liverpool, Hayes is focusing on how to make the most of a difficult situation.
“We’ve been deprived of key players in key areas. Of course, that has detrimental consequences, because they’re not just players,” says Hayes. “Some of them are real leaders, but the team has to find ways and that’s something we’ve done over the years.
“There’s no guarantee that you’ll win things for sure. But you definitely have to give it your all until the end. We have a chance to win the title.”
The return of Chelsea captain Millie Bright is a ray of hope after a turbulent few months. Hayes’ admiration for her skipper is felt as she smiles and remembers how much she missed Bright’s presence on and off the field.
“I listened to it at practice today,” Hayes said. “Whether it’s instructing players on what to do, or staying on top of the right information, she’s a leader and a great vocal presence. I think that’s been a huge loss for the team; (I’m) very happy to get it back.
Twists, turns and surprises are synonymous with previous WSL title runs and it’s no surprise that Hayes’ penultimate season with Chelsea will be filled with more tension as the finish line looms .
With just four games left and a six-point deficit to overturn, can Chelsea do the impossible and sign Hayes in style?
She is confident her team can “dig deep” to achieve this.
WSL title race – analysis and remaining schedule
Chelsea and Manchester City face off in a two-legged race for the Women’s Super League title – but who is most likely to take the crown in May?
We take a look at both teams’ prospects as the season reaches its final month…
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