Emma Hayes shocked the football world with her departure from Chelsea, coming just after a 6-0 win against Aston Villa. After dedicating 12 years of her life to the club, the decision stems from her desire for a better work-life balance and more time with her 5-year-old son, Harry.
The 47-year-old emphasized that the decision was hers, made with a focus on family matters and being a present mother. While acknowledging the challenges of maintaining elite standards daily, Hayes expressed a desire for more flexibility, indicating that she’s ready to prioritize other aspects of her life.
Hayes also highlighted the need for recognition of the challenges faced by women in football with children, stating there’s still work to be done in this regard.
The manager expressed gratitude to her son for allowing her to pursue her coaching career but acknowledged the challenges it posed for him. She sees the decision as selfless, focusing on putting other aspects of her life first.
While noting that a national team head coach role offers flexibility, Hayes clarified that her decision was based on personal needs and family priorities.
Picking her son up from school and having more flexibility were mentioned as significant factors in her decision. Despite her successes with Chelsea, including WSL titles, FA Cups, and more, Hayes sees this moment as an opportunity for a change that aligns with her current life goals
Hayes sees her departure as an opportunity for a new chapter for Chelsea, and she plans to work with assistant manager Paul Green to ensure a smooth transition for her successor.
She did not reveal the identity of her successor, maintaining privacy around club discussions. Hayes expressed her commitment to leaving the dressing room in the best possible place, reinforcing her dedication to the club.
Players learned about Hayes’ exit just after the 6-0 win, underscoring her close relationship with the team. While there are rumors about her joining the USWNT, Hayes remained tight-lipped about her future plans, leaving the door open to the possibility of transitioning to international management.
Reflecting on her time at Chelsea, Hayes acknowledged her club’s significance and expressed her readiness for a change.
As she steps down from her position, Emma Hayes leaves a lasting legacy at Chelsea and looks forward to a different role, possibly realizing her long-held dream of international management.
