London (AFP) – Emma Hayes, the highly successful manager of Chelsea women’s team, has announced her departure at the end of the season, expressing her desire to leave “at the top.” Hayes, who has guided Chelsea to dominance in English women’s football, aims to secure the elusive Champions League title in her final campaign. The Blues kick off their European journey against Real Madrid on Wednesday, but the news of Hayes’ departure has cast a shadow over the team.
Content: In her 11 years at the helm, Hayes has transformed Chelsea into a powerhouse, winning six league titles, five FA Cups, and two League Cups. Despite these accolades, the Champions League has remained out of reach, and Hayes is determined to address that before her departure. The 47-year-old is reportedly set to take on a lucrative role as the coach of the US women’s national team, with a record salary of $1.6 million.
Acknowledging the difficulty of parting ways with Chelsea, Hayes emphasized that the decision was influenced by family considerations. Her five-year-old son’s lack of enthusiasm for football, coupled with the demands of day-to-day club management, played a role in the coach’s decision. Hayes described the move as a “selfless decision” aimed at prioritizing other aspects of her life.
Before her departure in May, Hayes is focused on adding to her impressive list of achievements with Chelsea. The team faces challenges in a tough Champions League group that includes formidable opponents such as Barcelona, Paris FC, and BK Hacken. Despite past hurdles in the Champions League, Hayes is determined to secure success in Europe, aiming to leave a lasting legacy in west London.
Reflecting on her time with Chelsea, Hayes stated, “I’ve taken this team to the top, and I always said I wanted to leave at the top, and I maintain that. I think I’ve dedicated as much as I possibly can to this football club. I’ve loved every minute of it.” The Blues will look to make a strong start to their Champions League campaign against Real Madrid as they strive to fulfill their manager’s farewell aspirations.
