Emma Hayes has spoken about who she'd like to see succeed her as Chelsea boss and outlined a key preference in the appointment.
Hayes will step down from her role after 12 years in charge of the Blues at the end of the season to take over as manager of the USA women's national team. However, when asked about who she follow her into the Chelsea hot seat, the 47-year-old says she'd like to see another female coach in charge of the club.
Speaking after being honoured by the FWA, Hayes told William Hill: “I'm not sure Chelsea have said that they only want a female coach next, but ideally, I think if there's an opportunity there for a female that would be my preference."
With Chelsea locked in a title fight at the top of the WSL, Hayes has refused to start thinking about her next adventure with the USA but is instead concentrating on the task at hand.
Adding: “I can't think about both Chelsea and the US at the moment – the Chelsea job is enough. There have been moments where I’ve had to make calls to the US but I'll do it in the evening at 9:00pm, nothing is going to get in the way of what I'm doing with Chelsea.
Hayes will step down from her role after 12 years in charge of the Blues at the end of the season to take over as manager of the USA women's national team. However, when asked about who she follow her into the Chelsea hot seat, the 47-year-old says she'd like to see another female coach in charge of the club.
Speaking after being honoured by the FWA, Hayes told William Hill: “I'm not sure Chelsea have said that they only want a female coach next, but ideally, I think if there's an opportunity there for a female that would be my preference."
With Chelsea locked in a title fight at the top of the WSL, Hayes has refused to start thinking about her next adventure with the USA but is instead concentrating on the task at hand.
Adding: “I can't think about both Chelsea and the US at the moment – the Chelsea job is enough. There have been moments where I’ve had to make calls to the US but I'll do it in the evening at 9:00pm, nothing is going to get in the way of what I'm doing with Chelsea.
“I don't start until the end of May, so my focus has to be on the present and you just have to keep telling yourself that as otherwise you get stretched too thin and I wouldn't want anyone to accuse me of not being committed – that is probably one of the worst things you could say about me to be honest.
“I want Chelsea to keep winning and for the girls to keep being the best versions of themselves because that's what I enjoy watching."
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