It was the news that Chelsea fans hoped they would never receive. Barely half an hour after the team had completed a 6-0 demolition of Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League, Chelsea released a short statement announcing that long-term manager Emma Hayes would be leaving at the end of the season. The first line confirmed that Hayes was pursuing “a new opportunity outside of the WSL and club football”, pointing towards a national team position.
Her squad management, however, is second to none. From her time at Chelsea, she is adept at dealing with multiple high-profile personalities in a dressing room. She has also seen players flourish under her watchful eye. With Hayes’ tutelage, players like England captain Millie Bright have developed into some of the best in the world, while you can always rely on her to spring a positional surprise.