Emma Hayes revealed she had spoken with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp following her disapproval of the ‘ridiculous expectations’ on modern-day managers.
The Chelsea women’s football boss had a conversation with Klopp before she decided to delete her social media accounts following a tough week for her team.
Hayes criticized the unrealistic expectations placed on modern managers, especially after her side’s recent losses in various competitions.
Her quest of winning trophies for Chelsea in her final season was thwarted following the defeat at the Continental Cup final and getting knocked out from both the FA Cup and Champions League semi-finals.
Hayes’s last hopes was the Women’s Super League but suffered a 4-3 defeat in the hands of Liverpool.
Liverpool supporters added insult to injury by taunting Hayes with a Klopp chant during their victory over Chelsea in the Women’s Super League echoing, “you lost the league at Prenton Park”.
Despite the defeat, Hayes remains determined and focused on finishing the season strong with her team.
Following the defeat, Hayes was questioned about the pressures associated with her position, both in football and within the women’s game as a whole, and if this had influenced her decision to delete her Instagram page this week.
The 47-year-old Hayes expressed concern about the increasing levels of ‘nastiness’ and ‘trolling’ infiltrating the women’s game, cautioning that it could mirror the negative aspects of men’s football.
Hayes said: “I had a discussion with Jurgen Klopp about this recently”.
“I find it absurd the pressure placed on football managers. We are human beings with lives outside of the sport. I need to share my thoughts and ensure you all get paid for your efforts tomorrow.”
“The level of abuse that we are subjected to is unacceptable. The players feel the same way. The increase in trolling and negativity in our game is alarming.”
“It’s starting to resemble the men’s game, and if we continue down this path, it will only widen the gap between us and you all. That is what saddens me about the direction the game is heading in.”
While acknowledging the challenges and pressures of being a female manager, Hayes also expressed concern about the continued loss of female managers in the women’s game.
By highlighting examples like Rachel Yankey and Jayne Ludlow, Hayes emphasizes the importance of diversity in the coaching staff to bring different perspectives and approaches to the game.
She believes that creating new opportunities, such as co-head coaching roles, can help retain talented women in the game.
Hayes stated: “I don’t think management is an easy path for women.”
“The pressures and expectations can be overwhelming. Perhaps a solution could be to have co-head coaches, like two mothers leading a team together, I don’t know a Rachel Yankey and a Jayne Ludlow to give you good examples.”
“This model has been successful in America and could help keep more women in coaching roles in the future.”
Emma Hayes’s accomplishments at Chelsea
Hayes’ accomplishments at Chelsea have solidified her reputation as one of the top managers in women’s football.
In her 12-year tenure, Hayes has led the London club to numerous successes in domestic competitions.
She has helped Chelsea to six Women’s Super League titles, five FA Cup triumphs, and two Continental Cups as well as a league title during the WSL’s ‘Spring Series’ and a Community Shield victory.
The only accomplishment still eluding the team that Hayes couldn’t get her hands on is the Champions League title.
