Emma Hayes: Chelsea Role’s Stress Led to Ill Health

United States manager Emma Hayes has stated that the demands of her former role at Chelsea caused her to feel “unwell” as her tenure concluded. Hayes managed the team for 12 years, securing seven Women’s Super League (WSL) titles, prior to her transfer to the USA during the summer. She has returned to London for the USA’s friendly match against England at Wembley on Saturday, and she expressed greater contentment since transitioning to international football. Speaking at a media conference on Monday, the 48-year-old stated: “I don’t have to sacrifice the things that made me healthy. I didn’t feel healthy at the end, I actually felt unwell at the end of my time at Chelsea.” She continued: “It wasn’t pressure, it was the stress and toll it took on me and doing that during menopause was even harder.” Hayes added: “To get on top of all of those things, I’ve got my mojo back and my smile and enjoyment back which I didn’t realise I had lost.” Hayes guided Chelsea to five consecutive WSL titles before her exit at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, and her former Blues captain, Millie Bright, is a member of the England squad. The USA coach, who led the team to Olympic gold during the summer, mentioned that it would feel unusual to compete against players she has “gone to war with” and also to manage a team opposing her native country. However, she emphasized that the event would be purely professional. She stated: “Of course I need to go through a weird moment when the national anthems are being played. I’ll hum along to it being the English person I am, but also the same for the US one because I love it – I love both anthems.” Hayes concluded: “Beyond that weird moment and coming up against players I’ve gone to war with, it’s business come kick-off. I hope it’s an entertaining game and a sellout.” Hayes achieved five consecutive WSL titles at Chelsea, with England defender Millie Bright as part of her squad. Hayes also expressed anticipation for her first competitive encounter against England manager Sarina Wiegman. She informed BBC Sport’s Jo Currie: “I’m looking forward to seeing Sarina. I love Sarina. We had a great relationship when I was at Chelsea. She’s someone I really look up to, and someone who’s done an amazing job for football in this country and for the Lionesses. So I look forward to giving her a hug on Saturday and saying ‘hi’.” Hayes also voiced her support for Sam Kerr, another of her former Chelsea players, who recently revealed she is pregnant with her first child alongside her partner, West Ham and USA midfielder Kristie Mewis. Following their announcement, Kerr and Mewis experienced abuse on social media, leading Chelsea to remove a congratulatory post due to homophobic remarks. Hayes commented: “I think Sam’s going to be an amazing mum. When Harry [Hayes’ son] used to come to the training ground, he always gravitated towards Sam with her natural warmth.” She continued: “It’s not shocking to hear the abuse they suffered, but I know she’s tough enough to move past that and she’s not someone who expects an easy ride with anything. I just think, for those of us in the women’s game, we’ve just come to expect that.” Hayes added: “It doesn’t make it right, and it is unacceptable, but one where I know Sam will manage that and put all her energy into making sure her and Kristie hopefully go through the pregnancy with no bother and bring their baby into the world.”