Emma Hayes claims that press conferences are ‘OUT-DATED’ in her final presser as Chelsea boss before dramatic final day… with Blues looking to seal title at Manchester United
It was perhaps fitting that in Emma Hayes’ final pre-match press conference as Chelsea manager she told us press conferences are outdated and need to be modernised.
Hayes may not have been fond of the weekly ritual 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 seen — and there is still time for her to add to her trophy haul.
Chelsea travel to Manchester United on Saturday knowing they will win a fifth consecutive title if they match Manchester City’s result. City play at Aston Villa. The top two are level on points but Chelsea’s goal difference is two goals better.
As much as Hayes would love to bow out with a 16th trophy in 12 years, though, she insisted her legacy at Chelsea will be more than just the silverware she has collected.
Emma Hayes stated that press conferences should be modernised in her final one at Chelsea
Her Blues side are level on points with Manchester City going into the final day this Saturday
‘The journey is probably the most satisfying thing,’ Hayes said. ‘Going from nothing, an unranked team that was close to relegation, that had no resources, no facilities and 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.
‘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 will be my lasting memory.’
Hayes has won six Women Super League titles and is looking for number seven before she joins the United States national team as manager
Hayes expects a difficult game against United, who rewarded boss Marc Skinner with a one-year contract extension on Friday after winning the FA Cup. Skinner, though, has not always been popular with the club’s supporters.
‘I think his fanbase are really tough on him,’ Hayes said. ‘He’s brought a first piece of silverware to that club and got booed. Managers deserve a little bit more than that.
‘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. It will be an incredibly tough game.’
