Chelsea women’s manager Emma Hayes has announced that she will be departing the club for the United States Women’s National Team at the end of the season, after 11 years in charge.
The 47-year-old has been at Chelsea since 2012 and during her time at the club, has won 13 major trophies including six Women’s Super League (WSL) titles, five FA Cups and two Continental Cups. Hayes also boasts a domestic treble and double.
Hayes will join the US Women’s National Team in May ahead of the 2024 Olympics in Paris, with the manager set to become the world’s highest paid female coach, earning a reported $1.3 million.
Speaking about her time left at Chelsea, Hayes told The River: “I am looking forward to every game at Kingsmeadow, as I am Stamford Bridge and every game we have to play this year, and I am not even thinking about anything else.”
Known as one of the most influential managers in the game, Hayes has been named manager of the year six times and was introduced into the WSL hall of fame in 2021.
Hayes started her coaching career in the US and spoke about how much the role means to her: “This is a huge honour to be given the opportunity to coach the most incredible team in world football history, the feelings and connection I have for this team and for this country run deep.
“I’ve dreamed about coaching the USA for a long time so to get this opportunity is a dream come true.”
Hayes is renowned for her forward-thinking approach and research into the menstrual cycle, by tailoring individual training programmes to players to prevent soft tissue injury. Speaking in 2020, the manager said: “The starting point is that we are women and, ultimately, we go through something very different to men on a monthly basis.”
Players Fran Kirby and Lauren James have also spoken about Hayes being a huge support when it came to their mental health.
The manager is widely loved amongst fans at Kingsmeadow, with the stadium boasting an array of flags and banners in support, such as: “In Emma we trust” and “Emma Hayes’ blue and white army.”
“I’ve worn the badge with honour and pride, and I hope I’ve done the fans proud. And I hope that I bring trophies to this team this season as I’ve done the last few,” said Hayes.
Chelsea have not won the Champions League under the 47-year-old, but have their sights set on the trophy this season.
Tickets to watch The Blues take on BK Häcken and Real Madrid are on sale here.
Emma Farr
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