Troy Deeney thinks that Emma Hayes is “more qualified” for managerial jobs than many equivalent in the men’s game.
The Chelsea manager could land yet more club trophies before she departs in the summer to take over at the United States Women’s National Team, and she is regarded as one of the finest managers in women’s football.
Given her success, it has inevitably led to speculation that she could make the jump to men’s football, and speaking to William Hill, Deeney sees no reason for her not to get a chance.
He said: “I think it’s a case of if you’re the right person then you’ll get the job. Obviously stereotypes and egos need to be dropped along the way, but I think with her pedigree and background she’s a frontrunner and more qualified for a lot of jobs than most men.
“I look at it as the best person should get the job, and I hope that if she does go for a job [managing a men’s team], if she decides to, she gets what she deserves,” Deeney said.
Deeney was full of praise for the manager, adding: “I think Emma’s [Hayes] a wonderful human being in any walk of life, never mind football. Her determination, her honesty, her humble background is something that people can really relate to. I’ve had the pleasure of being in her company on more than one occasion and every time she’s been genuine.
“Obviously, she’s now going off to the States to begin probably the biggest job in women’s football, which is thoroughly deserved. I think she needs to be championed, and I think she’s a role model, not just to young women, but to managers up and down the country.
“It [winning an Olympic gold] would eclipse what she has done at club level – there are only a select few people in the world that can achieve that. It transcends football, it’s an elite level of sport that we all aspire to. Every athlete around the world will be watching and if she won that then she would definitely go to superstar status.”
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