Emma Hayes explains why she left Chelsea for USWNT
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Former Chelsea Women's manager Emma Hayes || Image credit: Imago

Emma Hayes explains why she left Chelsea for USWNT

Faruq Ibrahim 23:42 - 20.05.2024

Seven-time WSL winner Emma Hayes explained why she left Chelsea Women for the USWNT.

Recently-exited Chelsea Women's manager Emma Hayes has explained her reasons for ditching the Blues for the USWNT in an emotional video.

Hayes is synonymous with Chelsea Women, as she successfully positioned the London-based club as the most dominant team in the Women's Super League and one of the top teams in the world. 

She won seven WSL titles with Chelsea, five FA Cups, two League Cups and one Community Shield. She also became the first woman manager to reach a Champions League final in 12 years when she led Chelsea to the 2020/21 UWCL final. 

Hayes is undoubtedly a legend at Chelsea and has established herself as one of the most important figures in the club's history; however, she has called her time at the club and will now coach the record world champions. 

What Hayes said 

Hayes ended her Chelsea tenure in spectacular fashion as the Blues mauled Manchester United to pip Manchester City on goal difference to the WSL title. 

Emma Hayes, former Chelsea Women manager || Imago
Emma Hayes, former Chelsea Women manager || Imago

She has now officially assumed the role of coach of the USWNT, and speaking via their official channels, she spoke glowingly about her time at Chelsea and gave the reason for her exit.

 "I am sure everybody can understand when you have been associated with a club for almost 12 years. A club built from the bottom up, become a family, become so much of my own identity. “

“Without question, it pulled my heartstrings because I care so much for the players and everybody that I have built a relationship with. But I am all about challenge and we won a lot at Chelsea, I am very proud of that.

"And I am proud of the fact that I could leave that club in a better place, the one that I hope continues to compete. But for me, the challenge of competing for World Cups, for Olympics, and the dream of coaching a team that I have always wanted to get the opportunity to do, simply couldn't turn it down."

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