‘Male aggression’ complaints, attacks on player-player relationships and now a poem: Emma Hayes is not used to losing – and with the scrutiny ramped up perhaps her issues are a mirror of Jurgen Klopp, writes KATHRYN BATTE
Emma Hayes has been the unofficial spokesperson for women’s football in this country for the last decade.
She did not ask to be put in that position, but she has carried the burden without complaint. For the most part, it has come with praise and plaudits after years of success on the pitch.
She probably knew there would come a time where she would have to weather a storm. The last month has brought scrutiny of the kind she has not faced before.
Chelsea have seen two trophies slip from their grasp in their last two games. First there was defeat in the League Cup final by Arsenal. It was a tight game where one clinical moment was the difference. Chelsea could have moved on from that disappointment quickly had it not been for what happened afterwards.
To cut what is now a very well-known story short: Hayes shoved Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall, then accused him of displaying ‘male aggression’ on the touchline. She was widely criticised, but the international break gave her two weeks to let the dust settle.
Emma Hayes has faced scrutiny after losing her cool as Chelsea coach in recent weeks
She was always going to be asked about the incident when Chelsea returned to action and, instead of apologising, which would have brought the matter to a close, she recited a Robert Frost poem.
It is not uncommon for Hayes to come up with unusual answers in press conferences. Over the years we have had cat noises, analogies about geese and references to Star Wars. The poem was different because it was used to deflect from a negative situation, which Hayes is not used to.
Had Chelsea beaten Manchester United in the semi-final of the FA Cup on Sunday, the narrative would have shifted. Their defeat has only ramped up scrutiny more.
The last two games, coupled with Hayes’ recent comments about player-to-player relationships being ‘inappropriate’, which she later retracted and apologised for, has painted a picture that she is somehow losing her way, that she is at risk of damaging her legacy.
It is easy in football to be reactive. Yes, it has been a bad month for Hayes. Yes, she has done and said things perhaps she would not have done in the past. But this is a woman who was paid £12,000 a year when she first took over at Chelsea. A woman who has taken a club from mediocrity to excellence. A bad month does not change that.
Hayes and Eidevall (centre) clashed last month before the Chelsea manager accused her opposite number of ‘male aggression’
Hayes was frustrated by Eidevall’s alleged behaviour in the League Cup final and pushed the Arsenal boss
The Chelsea boss refused to backtrack on her comments, instead choosing to recite a poem
Being at the top can be draining. Hayes has spoken this season about the loneliness of management and how she has, at times, felt exhausted. In response to a question about what success would look like this season, she replied: ‘Getting out alive.’
The suggestion Hayes is starting to believe her own publicity is wide of the mark. Jurgen Klopp or Pep Guardiola would not be accused of that shortfall.
There are, though, comparisons to be made between Hayes and Klopp. Both announced they would be leaving their clubs midway through the season.
Some argued that it was beneficial to have that news out in the open, that it would stop speculation. But in both cases perhaps players are feeling extra pressure of the need to deliver a fitting exit for their long-serving managers.
Like Hayes, Klopp has had moments where he has lost his cool. The clip of him snapping at a Norwegian journalist after Liverpool’s FA Cup defeat at Manchester United is a fine example.
Perhaps their impending departures has meant Hayes and Klopp have felt less of a need to hold back. The difference for Hayes is that, unlike Klopp, she is going straight into another job – and the biggest in the world at that.
After Hayes announced she will leave Chelsea at the end of the season, the comparisons have been made with Jurgen Klopp (right). Like Hayes, Klopp’s had moments where he lost his cool
A furious Klopp stormed out of a post-match interview with Scandinavian TV following Liverpool’s dramatic 4-3 FA Cup quarter-final defeat against Man United at Old Trafford
But write Hayes off at your own peril – the Chelsea boss is not about to go down without a fight
But write her off at your own peril.
Chelsea still have two trophies on offer – the WSL and the Champions League. They are the hardest to win, with Manchester City proving to be stern title challengers while Barcelona await in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
This is a crucial week, with Chelsea playing their game in-hand against Aston Villa on Wednesday before the first of their two legs with Barca on Saturday.
But Hayes is not about to go down without a fight.
Newcastle Women continue their rise
A record 7,382 fans were at Kingston Park on Sunday to watch Newcastle clinch promotion to the Championship for the first time in their history.
It is the biggest attendance at the stadium for any sport this season and higher than any crowd pulled in so far by Premiership Rugby Union side Newcastle Falcons.
The club has been conspicuous by their absence at the top of women’s football. The women’s team only became affiliated to the men’s club in 2022 but have enjoyed rapid success under manager Becky Langley.
Newcastle Women clinched promotion to the Championship for the first time in their history
Amanda Staveley, the club’s co-owner, was there to witness their 10-0 victory over Huddersfield Town and was in tears on the pitch during the celebrations.
Newcastle made their women’s team professional in the summer and they are now just one promotion away from the WSL.
Their quick progress signals just how important investment in the women’s game is. There will, though, be more scrutiny on where that money comes as the club continues to rise.
Grace Clinton ineligible to play for Spurs at Wembley
Spare a thought for Grace Clinton who, after playing a huge role in helping Tottenham get to their first ever FA Cup final, will now be ineligible to play at Wembley. The midfielder is on-loan from Manchester United and will not be able to face her former club.
Clinton has had a fantastic season and it is no surprise Spurs boss Robert Vilahamn would like to sign her permanently.
Tottenham’s Grace Clinton (centre) will be ineligible to play in the FA Cup final at Wembley
The midfielder is on-loan from Manchester United and will not be able to face her former club
Vilahamn, too, deserves much praise for the work he has done this season.
There have been comparisons made between himself and Ange Postecoglou but it could be Vilahamn who delivers Tottenham’s first trophy for 16 years.
