It was perhaps fitting that in Emma Hayes’ final pre-match press conference as Chelsea manager she told us all that press conferences are out-dated and need to be modernised.
Hayes may not have been fond of the weekly ritual of talking to the press but over the years she has provided many memorable moments, including poems, cat noises and analogies about geese.
Hayes, who will leave Chelsea to become the United States national team boss this summer, will arguably go down as the greatest manager the Women’s Super League has even seen – and there is still time for her to add to her trophy cabinet.
Chelsea travel to Manchester United this afternoon (Saturday) knowing they will win a fifth consecutive title if they match Manchester City’s result.
The two teams are level on points, but Chelsea have a marginally better goal difference.
Emma Hayes stated that press conferences should be modernised in her final one as Chelsea manager
Her Blues side are level on points with Manchester City going into the final day and just need to beat Manchester United to secure title
But as much as Hayes would love to bow out with a 16th trophy in 12 years, she insisted her legacy at the club will be more than just the silverware she has collected.
‘I think the journey is probably the most satisfying thing,’ Hayes said.
‘Going from nothing, going from an unranked team that was close to relegation, that had no resources, had no facilities, no players that were professional. People always like to pick holes at the things you don’t do. What we’ve achieved here is remarkable, considering our starting point.
‘We didn’t have a history in women’s football, we’re now considered one of the top sides in the world. To get that respect and be part of a club that bought into that, I’m probably most proud of. Then, of course, the people. Then winning. Winning has been just as important but I don’t think the winning is gonna be my lasting memory.’
The alternative option is Hayes leaves Chelsea without a trophy in her final season, with the Blues having lost out in the League Cup, FA Cup and Champions League.
Hayes is expecting a tough game against United, who rewarded boss Marc Skinner with a one-year contract extension yesterday (Friday) after winning the FA Cup last weekend. Skinner, though, has not always been popular with the club’s supporters.
Hayes has won six Women Super League titles and is looking for number seven before she joins the United States national team as manager
‘I think his fanbase are really tough on him,’ Hayes said.
‘He’s brought a first piece of silverware to that football club and he got booed. Managers deserve a little bit more than that. I’m proud of Marc for the way he’s dug in to keep driving Man United to where they are. I know he’ll love nothing more than a packed crowd at Old Trafford.
‘They won’t want to watch someone lift a title on their patch. They will want to demonstrate why the FA Cup is just the beginning for them. It will be an incredibly tough game.’
