!
Subscribe to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter for free and receive it directly in your inbox.
Register for Miguel Delaney’s complimentary weekly newsletter.
Emma Hayes anticipates shedding tears in the remaining weeks of her incredibly triumphant tenure as the manager of Chelsea Women.
At the conclusion of the current Women’s Super League season, Hayes, who is 47 years old, will step down from her position as head coach after 12 years and transition to become the head coach for the United States team.
When asked about her feelings leading up to saying farewell, Hayes replied, “I don’t think they’ll be conflicting, I’ll be completely devastated. I tend to cry a lot. I anticipate shedding tears for the last few weeks.”
“I believe I have reached a stage where I am eager to join the crowd, return and hopefully witness Chelsea in numerous finals. I have fulfilled my role and I sincerely hope they accept me back as a supporter, as that is how I perceive myself.”
Having masterminded a period of complete dominance for Chelsea, who have won six Super League titles, five FA Cups and two League Cups since 2015 and top the table again after Sunday’s 3-1 win over Manchester United, Hayes will soon take on a very different challenge in international football.
Hayes expressed that the situation is quite daunting. While it may involve less physical interaction with the players, it requires him to tap into a different aspect of his skills. He must now focus on collaborating with the team off the field in a unique manner in order to effectively prepare for major competitions.
“I am filled with anticipation to attend both the Olympics and the World Cup. It is the stuff that dreams are made of.”
Following her recognition as the 42nd recipient of the Football Writers Tribute Award, Hayes gave a speech and became the first woman to be honored with the award.
“It’s concerning, to be completely honest,” Hayes expressed about being the first female recipient. “But we are here, and we cannot regress. I am excited to see more females representing the game in this room.”
I have always taken my position seriously and with appreciation. I have always enjoyed my job and being here is a meaningful day for my family.
Despite accumulating numerous accolades, when Hayes looked back on her career thus far, she deemed her greatest accomplishment to be contributing to the growth of women’s soccer, which has expanded significantly during her tenure in the sport.
During a recent Lego game with my son, he mistook me for the female manager on the sidelines,” she recalled. “He has the automatic assumption that women are in charge of managing teams, regardless of whether they are men’s or women’s teams. These moments make me realize the progress we have made towards gender equality.”
As a child, my dream was to play in the FA Cup final at Wembley for Tottenham, and to be like Glenn Hoddle. Today, many young girls and boys are inspired by players like Millie Bright and Sam Kerr. These moments are what truly amaze me, more than any of my accomplishments.
As a child, my main desire was to have role models. Knowing that they now have them is my proudest accomplishment.
Source: independent.co.uk
